Culture

Rating: A-

A Sunny Day In Glasgow began as a recording project in 2006, between friends Ben Daniels and Ever Nalens. Since their inception the band has seen countless line-up changes, albeit always centered around the songwriting prowess of Ben Daniels.
Sea When Absent is the group’s third full length release and their first since 2009’s Ashes Grammar. Retaining the noise, haze and echo that fans have come to expect, the band have also decided to make these new tracks even more drenched in discordant ambience. Though this constant static is in no way the type that stabs or pricks the eardrums. Instead, think of it more like a comforting fan heater, or a blowdryer someone forgot to turn off.

The songs are intrinsically pop songs. Vocals are layered over one another, forming a swirling, saccharine wall of melody. This, however, can be overwhelming at times and does end up sounding like two tracks played side-by-side, yet out of sync. Lyrics are indistinguishable but the overall sound is mesmerising, immersive and charged with joy and emotion.

Overall, A Sunny Day In Glasgow is a good shoegaze, dream-pop band and Sea When Absent is a strong indicator of that. If that’s all you’re looking for then you won’t be disappointed. Highlights for me include “Byebye, Big Ocean (The End)” and “In Love With Useless.”