What does it sound like?:
Back in early 2020, three of the original members of “Spilt Milk” era Jellyfish (Roger Manning Jr, Eric Dover & Tim Smith) got back together to record some music. Rather than a traditional album, they decided to release as a series of EPs with Vol. 1 coming out in May 2020 (which made my albums of the year poll, even though strictly speaking it wasn’t a full album….).
Now in January 2021, we see the release of Vol. 2, with four more tracks.
Up first is “Do You Feel Better” which has a definitive ELO vibe, with mellotrons, a bit of a psychedelic touch.
Next we have “Sovereignty Blues”, a more upbeat track with definite nods to the Beatles / Beach Boys / ELO. This is the track that reminds me most of the previous Jellyfish incarnation. You’ll be singing this all day.
A slight change of direction next with “The Dream That Took Me Over” which feels like an 80s pop song, with the bass straight out of Roxy Music’s “Love In A Drug”. Theres something else in there that I can’t quite place – and its still bugging me……
Finally with have “Snollygoster Goon” in which we are back in traditional Jellyfish “Power pop” territory. Great Fun.
And that’s it. Four short tracks that are over in 16 minutes, but what a great fun 16 minutes they are.
What does it all *mean*?
Its great to have simple (but well played) pop rock that’s fun to listen too. I like the idea of releasing as series of EPs, but it does leave you wanting more (which is a good thing I guess). You could spend hours picking out the influences and references, but just enjoy the fun. Looking forward to Vol 3 in Sept (apparently)
Goes well with…
Short car journeys with loud music, a quick blast of fun.
Release Date:
Out Now
Might suit people who like…
Jellfish, Beatles, Beach Boys, ELO, well crafted “pop rock”
Here’s “Sovereignty Blues”…..
And “The Dream That Took Me Over”……
Apart from the Roxy “Love is Drug” baseline, what other 80s pop references do you spot (as I said above, there’s something else there that’s bugging me…..)
Ok, let me get my trainspotter’s notebook out. I spotted…
The intro and 3:30 synth washes are quite Frankie to these ears, in fact the whole thing has a Trevor Horn glossy production. Speaking of which…
The little bell tree flourishes at 0:12 and spoken word section at 2:56 are very ABC.
The arpeggiated synth part at 2:34 is a Duran flourish to these ears – think ‘Save a Prayer’, and the bass part is more like John Taylor playing ‘Love is the Drug’ than the original. I also think the similar sequenced part under the chorus has a bit of the Human League’s ‘Love Action’.
I have few equals in my love of Jellyfish, but have to say this doesn’t float my boat, because it feels more obvious in terms of its influences. Or it could just be I prefer my power pop references to be more 70s (Queen, Supertramp, Badfinger, 10cc).
Definitely prefer the first one, there’s a hint of late eighties “Oranges and Lemons” era XTC in there too.
The second one reminds me of the type of stuff on the second Buggles album.
@nick-l
YOU’VE got the second Buggles album!? I knew someone else had it.