Soft Hearted Scientists

 

There's nothing not to like about 'Waltz of the Weekend' by Soft Hearted Scientists, and so much to love. Originally released on CD in May 2023, Fruits de Mer records have recently re-released it on vinyl, and as you'd imagine it's really rather special. Soft Hearted Scientists are psychedelic beat combo out of Wales, a band of highly accomplished musicians and lyrical bards sui generis in their field. With a wonderful mid 60's musical aesthetic, the period when the mods met mushrooms and music took on a distinctly psychedelic flavour, the band create tracks which span genres and flavours. The scientists are Michael Bailey on bass; Paul Jones on guitars and backing vocals; Dylan Line on keyboards, electronics and sound effects; Nathan Hall on Lead and backing vocals, guitars, keyboards, electronics and sound effects; and Spencer Segelov and Frank Naughton on drums. And collectively they conjure magic.

A magic that transports the psychenaut into the unique psychedelic world of the Soft Hearted Scientists' to be regaled with weird, whimsical and wonderful musical tales. Musically high order, and lyrically peerless 'Waltz of the Weekend' is a psychedelic masterpiece, utterly original, a reflection of the Soft Hearted Scientists themselves. This is psychedelia done different. 'What Grows Inside The Garden' kicks off the album divinely, a dreamy pop psyche number with a happy and sunny disposition lifted higher by some lovely guitar and nice harmonies. Whilst the titular track 'Waltz of the Weekend' puts one in mind of music you'd imagine you'd hear on Summerisle, it's processional folkish hypnotic melody has you swaying along as if in a trance. The 'Sea Anemone Song' has a haunting quality to it, a quality which runs through the entire album, something intangible; 'The Things we make' with it's beautifully drifty otherworldly atmosphere has oodles of that vibe, it's a truly beautiful track, loveliest on the album. Side two begins with the quirky 'Rode my Bike' about a frustrated and ill fated cycle which with it's infectious melody is psyche-poptastic. 'Gadzooks' is more optimistic singing of hopes for better rides and days to come, an eloquent and defiant counterbalance to its predecessor. Next 'Who loves the Moon' exemplifies how Soft Hearted Scientists enchantingly blend jaunty upbeat melodies with wistful and melancholic lyrical themes. There's genius in their composition and writing, their adroit juxtaposition of dark themes with catchy melodies are always exquisitely executed. Take the 'Fixer', an upbeat tale of a righteous hitman, a mod revivalist sounding tune if ever there was. Then psyche pop takes a particularly dark turn in 'Vicious Vivian'. Finishing side three 'Creeper and the vines', a charmingly wistful warning of the joys and perils of alcohol has a jolly sing along feel to it.  The 'Venus Fly Trap Song', is a dark tale of defiance in the face of systemic injustice and eventual escape from it. As for the final track 'Lost Mariners', it's simply the bollocks. A bitter-sweet tale of oceanic adventure and loss, like the ocean it's a track with depth, a richly textured and sweeping sound-scape of guitars and synth accompanied by haunting vocals, with an eerie 70's sci-fi synth fade out. Unequivocally fabulous. Cap doffed.

That's where the album ends on the CD or digital versions, although if you buy the vinyl copy you've still a third disc of outstanding remixes to enjoy; 'Sea Anemones in the Benthic Abyss', 'The Garden of Wavering Fronds', 'My Bike Verses The Dandy Horse', and finally 'Waltz Through The Weekend' a glorious 16.42 min mix exploring the entire album, you also get a nice colour booklet of the lyrics.

There's not a moment on this album I don't love, I can't say enough good things about it. An album with genuine warmth, every note is performed to perfection, every musical t crossed and i dotted, absolutely faultless throughout, you can tell the love and attention poured into it. If you buy but one album this year, buy this one. Check the Soft Hearted Scientists on their bandcamp, everything they do is sublime, as is Nathan Hall and the Sinister Locals material. Or, if you're after the vinyl release of 'Waltz of the Weekend' go check out Fruits de Mer, purveyors of quality music.