Cut The Master (2017)

THE GHOST OF JAMES SKELLY....

music albums

Cut The Master

Produced by the Coral’s frontman James Skelly in James Skelly’s studio and released by James Skelly’s label, it might be a surprise to hear that Wirral group the Sundowners – who feature two of James Skelly’s family members – bear only a faint sonic resemblance to the work of a certain James Skelly. Some of his psychedelic inclinations do rise to the fore at times – Before the Storm’s driving guitar and spooky keys, for example – but mostly this lot trade in folkier, Fairport Convention, Smoke Fairies and Espers-inspired wistful romance, especially in their haunted harmonies. But all too often, stodgy riffs steer the music down a muddy path instead of guiding it towards some heavenly hippie sanctuary, with the result that the album feels slightly over-long. Nevertheless, for a certain sort of community – one that revels in analog instruments, pagan references, paisley-print shirts with massive lapels, big sideburns and even bigger fringes, or just the ghost of James Skelly – Cut the Master should still satisfy.
No 2...Such a (great beauty)!!!!