Cambridge band Model Village have finally returned after a long time away. The wait's been worth it, as they say, since World of Carp, out on Friday, is a release that alternates between buoyant indie-rock and studied chamber pop. At times, a listener's going to reach for comparison-points, and this one reached for Comet Gain at times, but it's really better to judge this on its own unique terms.
"Insufferable" is jaunty, a bit of a C86 vibe to this one, while "Oslo" recalls any number of bands featuring Amelia Fletcher from Heavenly. "Roll It Over" is smart and bright, carefully-paced and moving, while "Sunburn" is absolutely lovely. If this one has a faint resemblance to material by The Delgados, that should be an indication as to why I love it. Still, Model Village are striving for originality here, and they succeed greatly. The points of comparison from a reviewer like me are only guideposts to prospective listeners, fingers pointing the way for those who may come at this from different angles.
If the wry "Popular Band" suggests yet another approach this outfit could take, it's also yet another one they'd be able to master. Lily Rose carries this material to a glorious place, her vocals being both assured and vulnerable, with hints of Sandy Denny, Tracey Thorn, and even Alison Moyet peeking through the moments of her delivery here. Still, the entire package of Model Village, not just the vocals, elevates this above the usual indie thing where shambolic guitars are masking real talent. Model Village are like a happier, less bitter Comet Gain, yes, or a Mekons shorn of any country influences, but they're their own proposition. In 2021, nothing sounds better than Brit indie-pop that's smart, sharp, and lovely. World of Carp is full of all of that.
Follow Model Village via their official Facebook page. Buy World of Carp via the link below from Bandcamp.
[Photo: Band's Bandcamp]