Next Wave #679: Blossoms

Psych-pop prodigies with real ambition...

There’s something in the air up north. What other explanation could there be for the plethora of British musical treasures this region perpetually produces?

Stockport-hailing quintet Blossoms have their own theories. “Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Smiths, they had that real thing where they were from a working class background and they were just normal lads,” explains singer Tom Ogden. “People just get us because we’re real,” continues the front man, “we’re from a working class background.”

Being relatable is an essential part of Blossoms’ classic British songwriting style, an element of their music that can be traced back to the aforementioned artists. But it’s the music that proves impossible to pigeonhole: a kaleidoscope of glittering psychedelic and electro-noir, paying homage to an eclectic mix of artists from The Doors to Arctic Monkeys, while firmly residing in pop. “Ultimately it sounds like Blossoms. The best bands sound like themselves,” proclaims Ogden. It’s this nostalgic yet modern fusion that has seen Blossoms seep into mainstream consciousness over the past year.

“It feels kind of like the end of the beginning,” Ogden says, of the mammoth year facing the band. Speaking from the legendary Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, the band are adding the final flourishes to their debut album, which is due for release this summer. “Every tune’s got that euphoric feeling,” he adds, “like you wanna put your arms around your mate and sing. We think our music goes down best when thousands of people are singing it back to you.”

There could be no truer testament of this than the band's impressive string of tour dates, commencing with a hometown show at the Manchester Arena, in support of The Libertines. “You try not to let it blow your mind, you try and stay true to yourself,” Ogden says of the outfit’s recent runaway success. “If we can carry on that timeline of great bands then we’ll happily embrace that and keep flying the flag.”

– – –

– – –

WHERE: Stockport
WHAT: Psych-pop, borrowing from your parents’ record collection
GET 3 SONGS: ‘At Most A Kiss’, ‘Charlemagne’, ‘Blown Rose’

FACT: Keyboardist Myles Kellock only knew a C chord when he blagged his way into the band

Words: Lisa Henderson

Buy Clash Magazine

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.