Are You From The Future?
hitBACK, 2019
8/10
Listen to Are You From The Future?
It’s been two decades since the London outfit Spearmint released their debut album, and Are You From The Future? proves that 20 years later, these Brits still have their songwriting chops in prime form.
“24 Hours In A & E” starts the listen with a vibrant display of soulful strings in a cinematic fashion that becomes danceable and funky, and “Pick Up The Paper” follows with a warm acoustic guitar alongside melodic singing from frontman Shirley Lee.
In the middle, “Thomas” offers a swift pace of jangly indie-rock, while “I Don’t Sleep Well Without You” trims the pace back with a timeless folk spirit. “As I Write This”, which is one of the best tracks, then brings orchestral ideas to the breezy tune.
At the end, “The West Pier” strips the atmosphere bare with a dreamy quality that’s vocally expressive, and “It Won’t Happen To Me” exits the listen with a beat filled with a throwback pop delivery that’s certainly indebted to the ‘80s.
Although they certainly have an unwavering cult following, it surprises me that Spearmint never saw worldwide fame, as their smartly crafted indie-pop and Brit-pop is some of the best I’ve heard; or, more accurately, haven’t heard until now, but will be hearing much more of from here on out.
Travels well with: The National- Trouble Will Find Me; Belle & Sebastian- If You’re Feeling Sinister