Nostalgia is the name of the game for Summer Camp’s debut; “Welcome to Condale,” being released a couple of months too late to present it’s summery euphoria. Yet is, indeed, a very good album.Containing singles such as opener; “Better Off Without You,” seeing Elizabeth Sankey manage lead vocals, harmonized by Jeremy Warmsley’s through the chorus, under computer processed, danceable hand clap drums which are apparent through most of the album. Other singles include “I Want You” containing introductory sampling and perfect pop vocals, as well as “Nobody Knows You,” which is in itself is very different, substituting the percussive euphoria for gritty synthesizers and a lo-fi guitar element.
Yet other high points are “Brian Krakow,” which alternatively sees lead vocals from Jeremy Warmsley and synthesizers that would fit perfectly on a rerelease of Prince’s “Controversy” LP. Also, “1988” is notably one of the most exciting tracks, sounding like a smash hit from the charts of, well… 1988. Purveying a highly infectious vocal pattern.
In fact, all of the songs are magnificent in their own way, combining the Lo-fi elements of say; Best Coast, with the pop sensibility of the 1960’s. An album that must be heard and could even be a strong contender for the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize.
Jonathan Hatchman.
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