It's hard to believe it's been almost two years since the last Catenary Wires album. And I probably shouldn't say that since it's not like Amelia Fletcher and Rob Pursey have not been busy since then. From collaborations with European Sun, to overseeing a suberb Heavenly compilation, recording a project with poet Nancy Gaffield, and cranking out singles with their newest band, Swansea Sound with Hue Williams of The Pooh Sticks, Amelia and Rob have been everywhere. Still, I was a big fan of that Catenary Wires record, and I'm happy that this new single is the first taste of a new album.
"Mirrorball" is a woozy indie disco confection, a brighter version of the lyrical tunes on the band's last album. If the tone here is nearly giddy, there's reflection in the vocals from Rob and Amelia. What's here is a sense that the singers are older, that they know that, but that they are going to dance anyway. In a year with a pandemic, that seems a useful thing to express. "Wish You Were Here", the flip, is moodier, but still lovely, and closer in tone to some of the earlier recordings by this band. The tracks make me excited about the group's upcoming album, Birling Gap.
"Mirrorball" is out via Skep Wax, and on Shelflife here in the States, on April 16.
More details on The Catenary Wires via the official website.