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Iain Archer, formerly of Snow Patrol, releases his second debut album ‘Magnetic North’ the follow up to ‘Flood The Tanks’ and with it he has produced a beautiful lo-fi, warm and heartfelt album that will see his former band mates looking on in envy. Archer himself admits this album was influenced by American artists like The Shins, Flaming Lips and Bright Eyes and Conor Obersts influence is etched all over the LP like a hallmark.‘When It Kicks In’ is a, upbeat gem of a track with a scratchy guitar line and breathless vocals, follow this with the epic ‘Soleil’ and the sugary sweet ‘Luke’s Point’ you are looking at an album of real class and charm.
Starting with ‘Canal Song’ the albums tone is dictated straight away, a carefully plucked acoustic guitar is the sparse backing for Archers pained but melodic voice. Containing the line “My heart it never breaks, it just beats on despite the aches” its borderline sixth form poetry but when it is sung with meaning then you can’t help but fall prey to its charms. ‘Minus Ten’ is set at a faster pace and could easily pass for a Snow Patrol song (That’s not a criticism by the way) with a stomping drum line and big verses that give way to a bigger chorus it’s a real stand out track on the
album.
‘Collect Yourself’ could be featured on any number of romantic films or TV shows with its laid back pace, choral backing vocals and the gentle use of the xylophone all collating to make a beautiful and intimate song, a definite album highlight. Sadly the album lags a bit with ‘Everything I’ve Got’ ‘Arriero’ both a couple of minutes longer than they need to be. Had they been at the end of the album then perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered but as they come in at track 5 and 6 respectively it feels like floating through the air only to be thrown in a swamp.
Reminiscent of the soundtrack to Zach Braffs ‘Garden State’ Archer, from Dundee, has produced the best American album of the year, quite an achievement we think. ‘Magnetic North’ is an unexpected album filled with joy, heartache and beautiful songs, we urge you to check it out.
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