With a first album that’s more like a top-notch Spotify playlist than a middling indie debut, Blossoms are a band with an obvious knack for tunes.
As the only guitar-based act on the BBC’s annual poll of new artists, there’s a sense of expectation surrounding the group from Stockport. Although the songs feel a little familiar, at least the influences cohere into a satisfying whole.
The synth-heavy Charlemagne sounds like Kasabian making a bid for Eurovision glory, while Blown Rose boasts a soaring Suede-style chorus. Blossoms also appropriate Arctic Monkeys’ sultry swagger on Texia, but they do it with some flair.
Singer Tom Ogden holds it all together like a young Richard Ashcroft, though Blossoms’ weeding out of their early psychedelia is a shame.
If they’re prioritising chart success over indie credibility, this debut should do the job.
(Virgin EMI)