Band: Born Blonde
Release: What the Desert Taught You (Album)
Release Date: Out now
So, close your eyes, you’re on the road across Europe. The weather is chilled and you have the sun on your face. And you feel that strange happiness of when you feel the warmth of the sun. This is what Born Blonde‘s debut album, ‘What The Desert Taught You’ feels like. The atmospheric sounds are perfect; making you smile and opening all of your senses. Born Blonde are, like most people would say, fresh and new. The refreshing sound governs the London scene currently developing in garage/punk bands such as Eagulls, but this band brings a different style with their indie vibes and a dreamy voice.
The first track of the album, ‘Solar’, starts with an acoustic guitar sound, feeling like Radiohead meeting a very early Coldplay with the kind of anthemic, epic melody. This song brings the same feeling as coming back from a crap day of work and having your pet (or partner) jumping at you, excited to see you. It’s a silly but fulfilling happiness feeling. “I just want to fly, I don’t want to fall” sings frontman Arthur Delaney in ‘I Just Wanna Be’. The nostalgic sound is sad yet optimistic and powerful. There are hints of The Verve‘s life affirming lyrics in this persistent track.
‘The Architect’ has again the kind of sweet vibe as the opener. The guitar riff brings back memories of the British pop sounds of the 90’s. As ‘Light On’ starts with a little piano melody, the guitar sounds pop down and bring an imploding feeling to the track. The Oasis-rushing-to-prove-which-Gallagher’s-the-best atmosphere makes this song sound more important. ‘Radio Bliss’ puts the accent on the dreamy voice of Arthur Delaney, extinguishing in a smooth “radio bliss….”. The americana indie/folk atmosphere of ‘Signs Of Fear’ brings another sub-genre to this album; evident of a lot of work. The synth soft melody and tribal drums of ‘Dreamland’ takes you up, up high, and leaves you floating in the sky like a balloon. You forget everything that surrounds you and absorb those familiar sounds until they land you back on earth.
The ‘Other Side’ starts with a taste of a French dandy artist. It also features the guitar rushing feeling of the hobo style and a languishing voice. The nostalgic feeling is back with ‘The Days I Dream Of Pyramids’, and the mixed style of 90’s british pop and folk wonders strengthens this track. Yet this song offers another glimpse of positivism and determination. And the final track, ‘Wide Eyed’ offers a psychedelic track from a multi-genre band.
Born Blonde delivered for their debut album an extraordinary work which shows the attention and care it has been given. The band is set to take pride of place on the touring schedule and will not only be appreciated by fussy Londoners but by everyone else too. Highly recommended.
10/10
