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Fresh off their triumphant gig at Wythenshawe Park, Blossoms release Gary – a 10 track album about fame, fashion, friendship, and finding Gary (a fiberglass gorilla who was stolen from its home in Scotland).
The first release under the band’s own label ODD SK Records sees Blossoms embracing their fun side and entering a new, slicker era, which proves to be a move away from their more serious, allusion driven approach of their previous releases.
With roaring riffs and synths, album opener ‘Big Star’ grapples with the quintet’s desire for wider fame fighting with the fact that, in actuality, they may not want it at all. The song alludes to overheard conversations with a music journalist called Marvin, who promises pool bar cover shoots and all kinds of glamorous things. The listener is taken back down to earth through the lyrical twist as Tom Ogden ends the track by asking “Do I want to be a big star?” — it’s a musical push and pull between home comforts and something more glamorous.
The two previous singles ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry’ and ‘Gary’ are engaging, 80’s inspired tracks full of soaring synths, fun vocal harmonies and attention grabbing hooks. The former feels like a nod to the band’s previous, more emotional works whilst the latter shows a move from this, proving there is much more to Blossoms.
Funky CMAT collab ‘I Like Your Look’ oozes confidence, with smooth harmonies and striking riffs. It is a camp exploration into high fashion, and everyday fashion, which is a stand out song. The track becomes more captivating as it progresses, so much so it’s almost disappointing when it comes to an abrupt halt, easing the listener into ‘Nightclub’ — a song which pokes fun at getting in (or not getting in) to nightclubs, with lush vocal work and exciting instrumentals throughout.
Fast paced ‘Perfect Me’ documents the overwhelming feeling of trying to be the best version of yourself, with the repeated bridge “Come to my senses, life’s not easy / it leaves you guessing, just keep breathing”. The track might be about a serious and relatable topic but maintains the sense of joy which radiates through Gary. This continues on nostalgic ‘Mothers’, an ode to Tom Ogden’s friendship with drummer Joe Donovan (and a cheeky nod to their best mate Rick Astley).
‘Cinnamon’ is softer than the previous songs, encapsulating the often thrilling and euphoric feeling of having a crush on someone. Penultimate track ‘Slow Down’ is littered with soft instrumentals and a real insight into relationships and the need to take things easier. With The Smiths’ esque riffs and an inward look into relationships, album closer ‘Why Do I Give You Worst Of Me?’ feels like a forgotten song from their self-titled debut but, like ‘Perfect Me’, it’s rooted in anxiety around life and how we conduct ourselves.
With their own label, Blossoms have truly embraced the freedom of making music for the fans but also for themselves. There’s no bravado involved with this record, it’s simply five friends making music together and enjoying every moment.
Words by Jen Rose
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