Pip Blom - Boat - Heavenly Recordings
Current darlings of the UK indie-pop scene, Netherlanders Pip Blom and chums have a sound that sits somewhere between former '90s Dutch hopefuls Bettie Serveert and the poppier side of Throwing Muses. But far from being retro, the Pipsters bring perky melodies and straight-up choruses to the table that is both refreshing and much-needed in these gloomy times.
Opener Daddy Issues is an out-and-out guitar-driven belter that has been a standout of their live shows for a while, while the single Ruby is naggingly addictive and cut from the same rousing riff-laden cloth. What makes this quite a remarkable debut however are thoughtful grown-up songs like Bedhead, Aha and Tired, all of which suggest Pip Blom have been around for donkeys years. Yet, they haven't. But on the strength of this vivacious confident set, they could well be. 7.5/10
Opener Daddy Issues is an out-and-out guitar-driven belter that has been a standout of their live shows for a while, while the single Ruby is naggingly addictive and cut from the same rousing riff-laden cloth. What makes this quite a remarkable debut however are thoughtful grown-up songs like Bedhead, Aha and Tired, all of which suggest Pip Blom have been around for donkeys years. Yet, they haven't. But on the strength of this vivacious confident set, they could well be. 7.5/10