'Count the Rings' is Annuals' first European release since the 2006 debut 'Be Me He' which induced much critical acclaim and lead to tours supporting the likes of The Flaming Lips, Bloc Party, Calexico and Minus the Bear. It is a compelling record which magnificently melds southern blues-pop charm with beautifully-layered, psychedelic soundscapes, the result of which is an eclectic collection of infectious pop songs, each of them swimming majestically with sonic depth and coloured brightly with clever songcraft.
Annuals comprises a formidable collective of potent and capable musicians, lead by songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Baker, and 'Count the Rings' is very much their record - produced and recorded by Baker himself, in the Annuals-owned Terpsikhore Studios. The independence offered during this production process is reflected by the boundless spirit of the album - quirky experimentalism and playful instrumentation are bound by an ever-present pop sensibility in opening track and lead single, Eyes in the Darkness - which, like much of the album, was once no more than a B-side, brought to life with fresh impetus for this magical new release - while further highlights include Loxtep's forays into subdued, hazy, bleeping electro-pop and the distinctly mystic and western feel of Always Do.
Suitably bright and catchy for its summer release, while occasionally eerily poignant or tranquilly abrasive, 'Count the Rings' is a thoughtful, melodic delight that lends much encouragement to the idea that pop is becoming a more innovative and diverse commodity in the 21st century thus far.
'Count The Rings' Tracklisting:
1. Eyes In The Darkness
2. Hot Night Hounds
3. Springtime
4. Hair Don't Grow
5. Hardwood Floor
6. Loxstep
7. Turncloaking
8. Sweet Sister
9. The Giving Tree
10. Always Do
11. Holler And Howl
'Count the Rings' will be released in the UK on the September 6th.
Stereoboard Rating: 7/10
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Suitably bright and catchy for its summer release, while occasionally eerily poignant or tranquilly abrasive, 'Count the Rings' is a thoughtful, melodic delight that lends much encouragement to the idea that pop is becoming a more innovative and diverse commodity in the 21st century thus far.
