English Indie/Rock band Blossoms are back! Fresh from the recent biggest headline show of their 11-year career at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park, Blossoms release their fifth studio album, Gary. Not many bands could get away with “Gary” as a single and album title, but this is Blossoms, a band of five friends from Stockport who don’t take themselves too seriously and are pretty cool.
Since forming in 2013, Blossoms have enjoyed widespread success and acclaim. Their 2016 debut, Blossoms, topped the album charts for two consecutive weeks and earned the band BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations. Their follow-up album, 2018’s Cool Like You, charted at Number 4, whilst their third studio album, 2020’s Foolish Loving Spaces, and fourth studio album, 2022’s Ribbon Around The Bomb, reached Number 1 in the UK.
They quickly established themselves as one of the most promising young bands in the UK music scene, releasing a string of well-received singles whilst touring extensively throughout the UK and Europe. There has been a mix of ’60s pop & ’80s pop blended with contemporary indie-rock in previous releases. Still, Blossoms have always stood out because, well, Blossoms have a trademark sound – their music is catchy and upbeat with such an infectious energy that it is sure to get you moving.
Frontman Tom Ogden’s honest, heartfelt songwriting has always defined Blossoms. Their last album, Ribbon Around the Bomb, was a huge success and received positive reviews due to its maturity, growth, and depth. The band constantly pushes themselves to create innovative music borrowed from various genres. So, on the subject of creating new and innovative music, it is a lovely surprise to find that Blossoms have made an album that 1) is called “GARY” and 2) is a party record with synths and a solid nod to funk, whilst not losing their well-loved indie sound.
“Big Star” opens the album with a big sound, heavier than previous songs, jangling rock guitars, bold drums, and many shimmering synths. It’s a sizzling surprise opener, and its narrative is about whether the band desires wider fame or not, as portrayed in its chorus: “Well, you should know that truth be told, I’m just so shy, but you could try and come and make me a big star/We could do the cover shoot by the pool bar then maybe you could make me a big star”.
The lead single, “What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?” has a heartbeat of pure funk, plenty of synths, and a groovy bass line. Listen closely, and you can make out Chic’s “Good Times” piano riff in harmony with Josh Dewhurst’s fab guitar playing. It’s deliciously nostalgic and an album highlight. James Skelly of The Coral is at the helm again with the production, but this is the first of two songs produced by alt-pop dance producer Jungle.
The titular track, “Gary”, is trademark Blossoms and has already become a fan favourite. From the opening fun and frivolous notes to the humorous and clever lyrics, this song recounts a true-life news story of the theft of Gary, an 8-foot fibreglass gorilla, from outside a Scottish garden centre last year. Like Blossoms, “Gary” is a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s also the first song released on their label, ODD SK, and this breakaway from a major record label perhaps has given the band the confidence to make an album named after a fibreglass gorilla called Gary.
“I Like Your Look” is captivating and unexpected. This song could divide fans but shows Blossoms have the confidence to try out new sounds, and this song fits perfectly with the dance vibe of the album. It’s a funky collaboration with Irish singer/songwriter CMAT, who brings in fresh energy and impetus, and it’s evocative of the New Romantics era with the likes of Duran Duran or Spandau Ballet’s pure synthesiser beats. The song also features a tongue-in-cheek “Wham Rap” spoken verse and innocent chorus: “I think your flares are so cute, I like your look”.
If this song were a fragrance, it would be “Kouros “or “Poison.” “Nightclub” ( the second song produced by Jungle) continues the disco energy but is smoother and breezy. It has a retro synth-pop hook and nostalgic lyrics about getting glammed up and facing long queues at the local nightclub while trying to think of various ways to get inside.
Fast-paced “Perfect Me” is classic Blossoms and is an energetic earworm. It’s a song about trying to be the best version of yourself. The track may be about a serious topic, but it maintains the joyfulness of Blossoms’ music thanks to the beaming synth notes and melody. Ogden barely pauses for breath as he sings: “I’ve come to my senses/Life’s not easy/It leaves you guessing/Just keep breathing” alongside lyrical punches of “I’ve got be the Perfect Me”.
“Mothers” is sentimental ’60s pop with a catchy chorus representing their mothers’ friendships (Both Tom and Joe’s mothers were friends) and the days they spent dancing to Rick Astley and The Smiths at clubs. Who knew that in 30 years, their sons would appear on the stage at Glastonbury in 2023 alongside Rick Astley performing songs by The Smiths?
“Cinnamon” is a love song with a folk feel and describes the heady days of a new relationship, whilst the subject matter of “Slow Down” is the polar opposite, with Ogden musing if a relationship is going too fast: “I know that we have both been preoccupied, but that’s no excuse, we should prioritise one another, Let’s not make the same mistakes, I just think that I might be afraid of change”. Smooth and chilled in its instrumentation, the lyrics are insightful and relatable with another catchy earworm of a chorus and, in the bridge, soaring vocal harmonies with a thumping heavy guitar riff.
The album closes with another brilliant song co-written with CMAT – “Why Do I Give You The Worst Of Me?” The opening glistening synth notes remind me of ABBA’s “Honey, Honey” before steady strums of guitar take centre stage, and the song takes off at a frantic pace, and just as you get your groove on – the track abruptly stops, just like that. Blossoms’ half-hour party is over, so it’s music off and lights on.
But that’s how to do an album: Leave your fans wanting more. Gary is a blissful half-hour of happiness. Each song has a retro, nostalgic soundscape fuelled by synth sounds, Blossoms’ trademark guitars, and Odgen’s ever-present, relatable, well-crafted songwriting.
Gary is another excellent Blossoms album, their most diverse-sounding record to date. For the first time in their career, they have been open to working with collaborators, allowing them to be more inventive with production than ever before. Blossoms are five mates having fun who make music that makes people happy. Five albums in, and they are still splendid and unique. This album will not disappoint faithful fans and will claim a legion of new ones.
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