MYSTERY JETS – SEROTONIN
As the title suggests, what Mystery Jets are all about is inspiring a sense of frenzied bliss in the listener. And this they do quite well – their tunes, third album in, have become tightly refined and powerfully melodic. Producing this record is Chris Thomas, famously bound to clients such as Roxy Music, John Cale and Pulp. And you can hear it in the tones of this album; the songs sound bright, shiny and swept with that kind of drizzly English sound that sold so many records in the Brit Pop movement of the 90’s. Alice Springs is a cracking opener, a belting pop rouser of the ilk of Pulp’s Common People or Blur’s Chemical World. Then we have the wistful piano mid-rocker It’s Too Late To Talk, which is particularly affecting with its playful Beatles/ELO harmonies and descending, anthemic chordal march. There are many highlights throughout, least so the title track, which is less pizazz and more form. It should be noted too how refreshing it is to hear a leader of a young band who can actually sing – Blaine Harrison’s strangled tenor is dexterous, laced with a passion that is tangible, not a put-on. Not bad at all.
***1/2
