There was one item in particular in my recent Fruits de Mer Records package that I was especially looking forward to, a 7" single from The Soft Hearted Scientists. A few years ago a very good friend gifted me a special copy of the Fruits de Mer Records compilation 'What Ever Happened To The Soft Hearted Scientists' saying he thought I'd like it. I didn't, I absolutely loved it, everything about it and have been a fan ever since. The Soft Hearted Scientists herald from Wales and follow in the footsteps of that nations venerable son Taliesin, being both lyrical and musical bards of the highest grade. There's a certain je ne sais quoi about the Soft Hearted Scientists remarkable (hard to properly categorize) sound, if you haven't checked them out, you really must.
So, on to the single, the 'A' side is a dazzling interpretation of The Bee Gees 1967 'Please read Me'. You can't go wrong with the Bee Gees, what ever they did, they just did so well. Of course, The Soft Hearted Scientists have sprinkled on their unique magic, breathing new life into a 50 year old track, raising it even higher. They've done a sterling job too, creating a thoroughly listenable slice of quality psychedelic pop with one foot rooted in the history of the genre, whilst the other stands firmly in the here and now. The arrangement is perfection, with a slightly increased tempo which lifts the melody beautifully, Nathan Halls soothing vocals and the wonderful accompanying harmonies, I'm certain the Gibb brothers would approve of the bands endeavours.
The 'B' side, 'Moths mistook us for the Moon' is classic Soft Hearted Scientists, an enchanting melody bathed in gentle melancholy, Nathan's wonderfully magical lyrics, accentuated by his gloriously honeyed vocals, the addition of some beautifully subtle though powerful harmonies, all add to the tracks already transcendent ethereal atmosphere. Pure bliss, the trade mark of the Soft Hearted Scientists. Nathan is an peerless wordsmith, on some level or other his lyrics often pack a deceptive emotional punch, which sometimes you see coming though more often it's hidden, creeping up on you. Always the tracks melody is the perfect vehicle for delivering the emotive payload, and this track does that so gracefully, a floaty tempo carries you upwards towards the moon just like the eponymous moths, and throughout the arrangement is sublime, crammed with delightful flourishes and so much more, all rendered perfectly, a track of marvellous psyche pop replete with substance, warmth and depth. It's bloody lovely listening.
I know scientists are currently maligned in our anti-expert culture, though no one could possibly doubt that these scientists really know their musical onions. The Soft Hearted Scientists certainly stand out from the crowd as the purveyors of the finest in contemporary psychedelic folk tinged pop, their unique style shines brightly, and what you've got here are two tracks which highlight why. As you'd expect from Fruits de Mer Records it's a quality product, beautifully packaged, a high grade sleeve holds a nice 7" single coloured pressing on white mix (pastel purple) vinyl. Go visit Fruits de Mer Records and pick up a copy of this glorious release for a mere £6! Or, a digital copy of the single (plus two additional instrumental tracks) is available from the Soft Hearted Scientists bandcamp page.
The 'B' side, 'Moths mistook us for the Moon' is classic Soft Hearted Scientists, an enchanting melody bathed in gentle melancholy, Nathan's wonderfully magical lyrics, accentuated by his gloriously honeyed vocals, the addition of some beautifully subtle though powerful harmonies, all add to the tracks already transcendent ethereal atmosphere. Pure bliss, the trade mark of the Soft Hearted Scientists. Nathan is an peerless wordsmith, on some level or other his lyrics often pack a deceptive emotional punch, which sometimes you see coming though more often it's hidden, creeping up on you. Always the tracks melody is the perfect vehicle for delivering the emotive payload, and this track does that so gracefully, a floaty tempo carries you upwards towards the moon just like the eponymous moths, and throughout the arrangement is sublime, crammed with delightful flourishes and so much more, all rendered perfectly, a track of marvellous psyche pop replete with substance, warmth and depth. It's bloody lovely listening.
I know scientists are currently maligned in our anti-expert culture, though no one could possibly doubt that these scientists really know their musical onions. The Soft Hearted Scientists certainly stand out from the crowd as the purveyors of the finest in contemporary psychedelic folk tinged pop, their unique style shines brightly, and what you've got here are two tracks which highlight why. As you'd expect from Fruits de Mer Records it's a quality product, beautifully packaged, a high grade sleeve holds a nice 7" single coloured pressing on white mix (pastel purple) vinyl. Go visit Fruits de Mer Records and pick up a copy of this glorious release for a mere £6! Or, a digital copy of the single (plus two additional instrumental tracks) is available from the Soft Hearted Scientists bandcamp page.
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