Sync Or Swim
A Turntable Friend, 2019
9/10
Ben Thomas, aka Big Tide, isn’t that keen on today’s electronic scene, and in his protest he’s made one hell of a guitar album in Sync Or Swim, where he’s in great company with members of Hookworm, Spectrals, Cowtown and Deadwall.
“The Crash” gets things off with playful acoustic strumming and dreamy sounds that bring us back to the early days of folk music, and “Hide Me In Your Spaceship” follows suit with warm rhythm and universal appeal. From here, things only get better with the horns and punchy spirit of “Wrong Number”, the lush and highly melodic “Make A Baby”, and one of the album’s best, the jangly and upbeat “Half The Time”.
Near the end, the title track recruits low keys and a soulful spirit, while “Thirst For The Limelight” is a swift and cautious power-pop gem. The album ends on “I Could Walk Away”, the quietest tune, where indie-folk ideas are present in the thoughtful, pensive exit.
The A Turntable Friend label is quickly becoming the go to spot for thriving indie-rock sounds, and this mashing of ‘60s pop, ‘70s folk and timeless guitar rock is among their best and the sort of record that would have Alex Chilton smiling from his grave.
Travels well with: The Lemonheads- Car Button Cloth; Teenage Fanclub- Man-Made