(Slow Train)

The dreamy melodies, flowing strings and sliding guitar that suffuse Ardentjohn’s debut recall the peaceful island origins of the two founding members. Having now blossomed into a multi-instrumental six-piece, their sombre yet hopeful nature is irremediably mellow. ‘Open Road’ taps into a folk vibe, while ‘Colours of the Day’ evokes the very best of early Ocean Colour Scene. Like a fleeting but meaningful island holiday romance, melodic strings provide a sweetness to counterbalance the solid strumming and thrumming of guitar and drums beneath. An unpretentious air throughout allows a haze of pleasant fug to settle over this rainy spring day of an album.