In order to set the scene, The Gist lynchpin Stuart Moxham was one the primary songwriter in the much revered Young Marble Giants.
Having been responsible for two great albums by two great bands, The Gist were then dropped by Rough Trade and there the story ended. At least until David Byrne reunited YMG to play Meltdown and it transpired Stuart had continued recording and just never bothered to approach labels with the material and who could blame him?
If this is the standard of material on offer then let's hope they keep mining the tapes. This is good old fashioned C86/Flying Nun indie song-writing with a touch of class and plenty of reggae strumming such as "Fool For A Valentine".
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What also stands out are the number of songs about love and also womankind in general. These are both respectful and very positive about the female of the species and it is refreshing to hear that done so honestly, indeed at all in these divided times.
Among the standout tracks are "Assured Energy" (female vocals), "Being True" (Chris Knox-style love song), the skanking "Killer Bird" (one of my fave tracks of the year), "Here Comes Love" (the perfect 3 minute and 1 second pop song) and "Yeah X 3" (lo-fi Specials). All in all a superior release.
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