Ducktails – St. Catherine

A mixed return from the indie pop outfit...

'St. Catherine' is Ducktails' fifth album. Yet for many, they still remain in the shadow of Matt Mondanile's other musical vice – Real Estate, and in truth it's sort of understandable considering the many similarities between the two bands. It's also a real shame as the former have steadily been getting better with each release, while the same can't be said for the latter. 2013's 'The Flower Lane' was an irresistible and dreamy lo-fi pop gem, not to mention a career high.

This follow-up expands on those foundations with aplomb, centred around the sumptuous, glossy soundscapes that were previously tucked away. 'Surreal Exposure', 'Heaven's Room' and the penultimate instrumental 'Krumme Lanke' are three of the most achingly beautiful composition's Mondanile has put his name to thus far. Gorgeous, misty synth pads are complemented by layered Johnny Marr-style guitars, and this is when 'St. Catherine' is at it's finest.

Where the album stumbles is in its consistency and in parts sounds like a band trying too hard. Case in point: the four and a half minute 'Reprise' of 'Heaven's Room' isn't warranted and feels far too much like filler, while 'Church' and 'Medieval' are pleasing without being able to make a lasting impression. These minor faults don't fully tar proceedings, though, and on balance it's still a more than worthy addition to the New Jersey outfit's growing collection.

7/10

Words: Luke Winstanley

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