The Superimposers - 'Harpsichord Treacle' (Wonderfulsound) Released 11/02/08

They were a huge word of mouth success and produced a critically acclaimed collection or their debut album, now The Superimposers are back with their sophomore effort ‘Harpsichord Treacle’ that is an unusually alluring mesh of tranquil spiritual radiance in a world of effortless wonder. There are more straightforward classic pop songs with satisfying harmonies such as ‘Make It All Better’ and ‘Special’. ‘The Northern Song’ sounds like Madness mixed with The Osmonds married in the midst of a 60s Californian relaxed nature and there are times where songs bare a curious resemblance to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club vocalist Peter Hayes being filtered through a floating take on The Monkees.

Clever lyrics and vivid imagery come from ‘Autumn Falls’, which sounds like a downbeat Arcade Fire played on a gramophone. ‘Golden’ uses the Ian Brown delivery accompanied with a reversed sounding orchestral movement in the backdrop, and offers one of the most uplifting and direct attacks on the album. Honest lyrics play throughout with the precarious statement of: “Home is not a home without a woman’s command,” at the opening of ‘Holes in the Air’, although it does take the risk of appearing lacklustre as appose to pensive.

Chimes and maracas are certainly used to full effect on ‘Kicking Around’ and provide possible the most relaxing three and a half minutes of music this year. Although it does sound dangerously like you have been put on hold with the bank and can irritate if not prepared. One of the strongest moments on the record comes from the psychedelic ‘Twilight’ that uses rhythmic panpipes over the vocal exuberance that professes: “There’s a full moon on the horizon/It’s gonna take you far away/I can tell where it’s going/And what it is that you’re showing.” It ends with a horse trotting on cobbled stones and a clip of what sounds like an early 1900’s market scene.

The strangest thing about this record is the sheer comparisons that spring to mind. On paper they shouldn’t work and would seem terrifying to even imagine, yet The Superimposers have managed to dedicate an album to attractive and odd songs that are accompanied by clever production and casual delivery. The simple offerings however neither challenge nor eradicate ill feeling because it never wants to take that next step to become something really creative and imaginative. It’s all too boringly pleasant and takes nothing to really engage or indeed switch off. Of course if you’re looking for the safe option it will definitely satisfy. You can have predictable momentary enjoyment of fast food rather then taking the time to experiment with the finest cuisine.