Moonbeams

Throw me the Statue’s multi-instrumentalist Scott Reitherman has written an album of songs for the summer. His melodic indie synth-pop references girlfriend’s cars, sunglasses, kissing and the Yucatan, that incredibly sunny region of Mexico. All this is done over a backbeat of simple head bobbing drums and the strumming of guitars most likely made of the finest American mahogany.

After spending time at the Baskerville Hill label, where the album was available for a short time, the Statues have reappeared on Secretly Canadian, the home of such luminaries as Jens Lekman and Magnolia Electric Co, and are assaulting the world with Moonbeams once more. And rather good the album is too. Reitherman’s voice is an expressive and cheerful Will Oldham and the band bring to mind the synth-country of Grandaddy mixed with the great expanse of a Sufjan Stevens record.

The long player kicks off with ‘Young Sensualists’ and a keyboard sound scarily reminiscent of one of the iffy bits on a 70’s sci-fi show, but as the synth-pop beat comes in you know you’re well and truly in that melodic low-fi zone. ‘Lolita’ is an alternative pop hit waiting to happen complete with xylophone, hand claps and a killer melody. However, the most arresting tune is saved for ‘Yucatan Gold’, which builds to a driving beat and a chorus of ahhhs.

But like a man that knows how to write a good tune, Reitherman also knows how to keep it simple. ‘This is How we Kiss’ does exactly what you expect of it - slightly rocking, rhythmic and about girls, a trick repeated on ‘Heart Signs’. The later tracks benefit from a more spacious sound, making good use of brass and harmonies most notably on ‘Groundswell’ and ‘Take it or Leave It’.

Moonbeams is an album waiting for the sun. Let’s hope the songs act as a calling.