A few months ago I shared my review of the happy half of the new Circa Waves album, Sad Happy, and now, in the midst of a global pandemic, I'm hunkered down to talk about the sad half of this release. The truth? It's not too much of a downer, really, and the tunes here are still as bright and vibrant as any you've heard so far from this Liverpool outfit.
On "Hope There's a Heaven" there are lyrics about "listening to Tom Waits", but there's really no way this group were ever going to map out their sadness in the style of that guy. This cut, and the spry "Wake Up Call", mix heart with catchy keyboard-lines to optimal effect. The cuts sound radio-friendly, as do all of the songs here, but these two, plus the sublime "Sad Happy" really charm. "Train to Lime Street" is a bit of a bummer, but "Birthday Cake" is likely the most assured number this band have offered up yet.
Taken all together, the 14 songs on Sad Happy strike a mood that ranges from peppy and energetic to something more contemplative (in spots). Still, there's nothing here that is not expertly played and produced, and precious little that doesn't sound like a potential single. I mean that in the best possible way, as any selection from Circa Waves in 2020 is the exact way to do Britpop in this century.
Sad Happy is out now. More details via the band's official website, or their official Facebook page.
[Photo: Uncredited promotional picture]