Artrocker Magazine’s Single Reviews for the week commencing June 21st

Richard James
We Went Riding
(Gwymon Records)

Since Welsh psych-pop geniuses Gorkys Zygotic Mynci broke up in 2006, Welsh psych-pop loving people everywhere have been baffled, homeless, scratching their heads and wondering what to do with their Idiot's Guide To The Welsh Language books.
They're in for some good news though: Richard James (band co-founder) is teaming up with Euros Childs (also co-founder) and Cate Le Bon (generally great Welsh folk singer) for his new solo album. It sounds predictably fantastic.
This lead off single is one of those weird instances where minor chords make you happy: a farewell in the rain kind of affair, tearful but ultimately well-wishing. Welcome back, Mr James.
Ric Rawlins


She & Him
Thieves
(Domino Records)

'Thieves' is the second single taken from Volume Two, the latest collection of classic country pop from Zooey Deschanel and M Ward’s ridiculously fruitful collaboration She & Him.
Also the album opener, the song sets out their stall with subtle, neatly strummed teen idol chords, the tearful and resigned tone of Deschanel’s delivery and the tortured strings propelling it to its bitter sweet climax.
Deschanel bemoans her luck but remains defiant in her determination to wallow, as she laments on the ‘terrible news’ of her latest lost love affair. As always, M Ward’s production is a spot on mimic of the early 60’s heartbreak balladry that flooded the country and pop charts in the US at the time; and that evidently still holds sway with this particular duo; making this a guilty sugar-coated pleasure that continues to reward and engulf you in its sentiment with each repeated listen.
Mark Wall


Redtrack
Perfectly Fine Intellectual/Imogen
(Label Fandango)

From winning the Hollyoaks Music Show Unsigned Act 2009 to a single release on ultra-cool Fierce Panda imprint ‘Label Fandango’, young Essex scamps Redtrack have been doing quite well of late. Add to that plaudits from indie overlord Steve Lamacq, punk hero Pete Shelley and, ahem, the Mail on Sunday magazine and expectations are running high.
Describing themselves as a cross between the Clash and Girls Aloud, Redtrack have the pop sensibilities to fuse an unflappable punk energy and attitude with sufficiently poptastic melodies to ensure that first track ‘Perfectly Fine Intellectual’ has a sense of urgency while delivering four minutes of bouncy goodness.
Second track ’Imogen’, a pleasing slice of indie pop - with its staccato guitar style reminiscent of the Gang of Four and funky bass line - keeps the standard high. With an album due for release in August I think 2010 might just be Redtrack’s year. Expectations met!
Mark Cousens