Kevin Robertson - Sundown's End

Released: 28 May 2021
Label: Subjangle/Futureman Records

Listen and Buy Here

Kevin Robertson, of Scottish band - The Vapour Trails, releases his first ever solo album. I had high expectations for this and it did not disappoint. As you would expect, it is another album of jangle pop perfection.   

It opens with 'Into The Black' which is ultra melodic and Summery. The gorgeous harmonies, of course, recall The Byrds and Teenage Fanclub.

Other highlights include 'Settle Down' which has fantastic pop hooks and a slightly more Country sound. The subtle banjo sounds really add to it too and at times it brought to mind The Traveling Wilburys. 

'See How We Love' is very heartfelt with some wonderful harmonies. It launches into the superb 'Telepathic Minds' which recalls the best of 60s Psych and is one of my favourite songs here.

'Loves Blue Yonder' is the standout of the album and is memorable guitar pop of the highest standard. It is one of those songs which sticks in your mind and has you singing along straight away. 

It ends on 'Yesterdays Reign' which has vibes of The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows. A hugely enjoyable listen, particularly if you love 60s inspired guitar pop. Highly recommended.

The Vapour Trails - Golden Sunshine

Released: 19 June 2020
Label: Futureman Records
Listen and Buy Here

Scottish band - The Vapour Trails are back with the follow up to their album 'See You In The Next World' (which finished towards the top of the Colours Through The Air best of 2019 List). I had really high expectations for this album and it didn't disappoint.

The new one is more 60s Psych guitar pop greatness. Opening song 'Golden Sunshine' was familiar to me. It was originally released as a demo on the 'Godspeed It' single from last year. This new recording really brings the song to life with sparkling guitar riffs and superb harmonies.

'Dr Barnes' strongly recalls The Beatles and The Byrds, who are clearly the biggest influences here. 'Lonely Man' is the best song (other than Golden Sunshine) on the album and a great memorable guitar pop anthem. 

'Sometimes (Thinking of You)' is more of a moody ballad and sounds different to anything else on the album. The focus is more on the vocal harmonies and the lyrics are quite heartbreaking. 'Nothing rearranges. I'm spinning to the ground from your roundabout.'

Other highlights include 'Strange' which has a big anthemic chorus. 'Behind you' features an opening riff reminiscent of Gene Clark's  Elevator Operator, obviously a deliberate reference. The band wear their influences on their sleeve. 'The Conversation' has more Mexican vibes, and melodically it brought to mind Husker Du - Pink Turns To Blue.

'Why Wonder Why' has vibes of Love - Live and Let Live. The album closes on the beautifully delicate 'Seabird'. A strong follow up album, and the songs really shine. Perfect Summery guitar pop. 

Colours Through The Air Best of 2019 Albums and Songs

It was so hard to choose but here is the Colours Through The Air 'Best Of' post. My favourite albums and songs of 2019. With the songs, it is one song from each artist.

I don't think the Dunkie album is released yet (expected this month) but there was no way I could not include it. You can find the reviews for these albums on this blog for more info. 

Albums

1. RW Hedges - The Hills Are Old Songs 

2. Dunkie - Working To Design 

3. The Vapour Trails - See You In The Next World 

4. Attic Lights - Love in the Time Of Shark Attacks 

5. ANC4 - ANC4 

6. The Jellybricks - Some Kind of Lucky 

7. The Brothers Steve - #1 

8. Paul Den Heyer - Everything So Far 

9. The Lilac Time - Return to Us 

10. The Rails - Cancel The Sun 

Songs

1. RW Hedges - Haven't Seen Her In A While 

2. Dunkie - Can A Song Save Your Life? 

3. The Prescriptions - Hollywood Gold 

4. The Vapour Trails - See You In The Next World 

5. The Late Pioneers - Let Me Tell You How It Hurts 

6. Amoeba Teen - Suit and Tie 

7. Nick Frater - Sunshine After Rain 

8. The Gold Needles - Here She Goes Again 

9. John Myrtle - Foggy 

10. Gospelbeach - Dark Angel

All in all, it has been a good year and I have found so much great music from doing this blog. Thanks so much to everyone who has shown an interest/sent music to me. There will be a lot more reviews to come.

The Vapour Trails - See You In The Next World

Released: 2 Aug 2019
Label: Futureman Records
Listen on Bandcamp

I have been listening to The Vapour Trails for a while now and this is their long awaited debut. It is full of psychedelic pop gems and I'd highly recommend it.   

The band hail from Aberdeen, Scotland and include father and son - Kevin and Scott Robertson. They are exceptional musicians and there is some really great guitar work on this album.

The album opens with 'Sonic Wave', which is very melodic and laid back with 60's jangle vibes. I would say The Byrds are the biggest influence here. 'The Inner Truth' reminds me of 'Turn Turn Turn' but is just as enjoyable and a great song. 

'Drag it Around' is my favourite song on the album. There are really sweet harmonies throughout and it reminds me of Teenage Fanclub at their most melodic. 'Shatter The Sky' has more of a Neil Young feel to it, especially with the brilliant guitar solos at the end.

'Godspeed It', a break-up song, is one of the best songs here and brought to mind New Order - 'Regret'. The album ends on the psychedelic anthem and title song - 'See You in the Next World'. Again, it features some really great guitar work and superb harmonies.

This is such an impressive debut album and anyone who likes 60's inspired guitar pop should check it out. I hope there is a lot more to come from them.