The Beat Surrender

Speck Mountain weren’t a band that I was aware of or had heard anything about until there recent single landed on my doorstep, it was a double a-side and both tracks feature here. It seems that this three piece from America released this album in the States last year, however in the UK it’s only been available as an import until now.

With a constant stream of people wanting the album on import, Burnt Brown Sounds (their label in the States) took the decision to license the album out to Peacefrog Records over here and now it’s going to get the full release and a publicity push that it deserves.

I say that because from start to finish Summer Above is one of those delightful albums that has real attention to detail, is kind of understated in that it’s got a lo-fi alt country vibe to it rather than relying on big pop hooks and huge guitar riffs (not that there is always anything wrong with that).

The only shame is that the album only consists of eight tracks, although a couple of them are quite long, it shows the way the album makes you feel that you don’t want it to end as quickly as it does. It opens with electric piano (an instrument that makes it onto most songs), it’s slow paced but beautifully done with hauntingly floaty vocals that wash right over you.

Hey Moon (the first track I heard from them on the single) is up next and as I said at the time it reminds me of some of the slower Belly tracks. My favourite on the album is probably Girl Out West which opens with melodic riffs, shimmering guitar is added and the minimalist percussion really adds to the track despite not being as in your face as some instruments, it gives the song a kind of plodding brilliance which aren’t two words you usually see sat next to each other.

I love the lyrics on Midnight Sun “There is nothing to keep me, I tell you I am going to run” and likewise with the single Stockholm that seems to be dealing with the disappointing emotions felt when a relationship doesn’t work out and it features some really nice whistling which is much underused in music (although that may change after Young Folks).

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