The first time I came across The Soundcarriers was in 2009, spotting their name on a compilation album. Suffice to say, I was intrigued to hear more. Then in 2010, I picked up their second album ‘Celeste’; it was released on Melodic, and at the time I was a freak for the label, snapping up everything I could find. I was mesmerised by its melodies and vintage feel. There was a psychedelic revolution going on – thanks to the Amorphous Androgynous’ ‘A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble’ albums – and this was right up my street. Then, as often happens, something new came along and I moved on. Over the intervening decade, I lost track of the band until their sixth album, ‘Through Other Reflections,’ was coming out.
Like their previous work, the melodies are the standout moments. They are played delicately and gracefully. There are strands, and nods, to Stereolab, Broadcast, Pentangle, Ultimate Spinach, and The Incredible String Band along with their own tropes. The two tracks that exemplify this are ‘Behind the Fire’, ‘Already Over’, and ‘What We Found’. On ‘Already Over’ the vocal melody is similar to the soul classic ‘Spooky’ but the music surges about behind Leonore Wheatley’s vocals. It has some urgency, and the guitar solo is a delight to hear. ‘What We Found’ opens with the band at their most playful. Sitar-sounding guitars, chimes, and a wonderful deep drone welcome us before those glorious vocal harmonies kick in.
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‘Behind The Fire’ starts off slowly. Wheatley’s vocals are part tongue twisters and nursery rhyme. A stuttering drum kicks in. Lurid bass and the band are off delivering one of the finest moments on the album. The songs feel contemporary yet timeless. They would fit perfectly on the ‘Strange Folk’ comp or the ‘A Monstrous Psychedelic Bubble’ albums and radio shows. Lyrically Wheatley keeps things slightly abstract. You never quite know what she is singing about. When she sings about being “Behind the Fire” is she being literal? And if so, what is so to be behind it? Or is say implying that when strife occurs in her life, that’s the fire and she’s put it behind her? It’s these vague suggestions that make the album a real joy. Trying to decipher the songs’ meanings.
After a first listen ‘Through Other Reflections’ didn’t do a lot for me. Nothing was jumping out and making me want to play it again. I liked it but I didn’t love it. So, I put it to one side and listened to other albums. Eventually, I went back to it. I have to admit the second, third, and fourth listens were more enjoyable. I grew to appreciate its slower pace. With some psych albums, everything is 100 miles an hour; there are backward, well, everything, and the vocals are slightly garbled. Here, however, The Soundcarriers take their time and craft wonderful songs with a pop sheen.
This is an album that if you don’t engage with straight away, give it some time and try again. I’m not sure how often I’ll play ‘Through Other Reflections’ going forward but there is something wonderful going on under the surface that is captivating. Maybe it’s Wheatley’s vocals. They feel gossamer and thin, but with a rigidity that helps them pierce through the dense music. Maybe it’s the rhythm section. Or maybe it’s the combination of everything, but it’s there. And like Wheatley’s vocals, it’s just there out of reach.
7/10
Words: Nick Roseblade
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