Every release by Bubblegum Lemonade is a cause for celebration at WYMA, and I suspect among jangle pop fans everywhere. One of the musical projects of Glasgow's Lawrence "Laz" McCluskey, it is born of an unwavering conviction that sounds of The Monkees, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Byrds, Velvet Underground and the Rickenbacker guitar are the perfect inspiration for vital music. And it is a thesis that we find to be correct in every respect on the latest album, Desperately Seeking Sunshine.
While that jangle is omnipresent here, and very satisfying, it isn't even the star of the show. You see (or, more precisely, hear), Laz is a wiz in crafting melodies and infusing pop dynamics with the dedication and speed of a man bailing out his leaking lifeboat while sharks circle. If Laz's life depends and a good song, he may live forever, and the result of his efforts is the best and most consistent set of songs yet. Whether offering sugary '60s inflected pop such as "Warm Heart Cold Feet" and "Just An Album Track", or Byrdsian instant classics such as "First Dance for the Last Time" (terrific song title, by the way) and "Girls In The Song" or, well, any other song on this album, Desperately Seeking Sunshine delivers a perfect rush of songs that look forward to summer, and sunshine. Promise made in the title, promise delivered on tape. What more could we want?
Desperately Seeking Sunshine is out now in digital and CD formats via Matinee Recordings.
Matinee Recordings page for album
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