The Underground of Happiness

Laura Bryon of Cardiff's new album is full of pleasurably trashy guitars but this song sticks out for me and there’s not a guitar in sight (well maybe a couple near the end but they're subtle). A restless ticking drumbeat and a visceral lyric with a carefree tang and a tease to it. Get in position You know this might sting a bit I like it but it hurts Then the chorus (an instrumental break really) introduces a genius stabbing organ part – the kind you could happily hum all day - before ramping up the ante with a full scale breakdown later. Sweet and intriguing. Tk 6 in this playlist Apr 14 2015 w/ Polar Bear,Jon DeRosa,Rozi Plain,Tender Prey,Arborist,Close Lobsters,Jim Noir++ by The Underground Of Happiness on Mixcloud

A collection of assorted recordings drawn from various EPs and albums, but also advertising, film soundtrack and other private commissions, making it most unusual already. Add to that a great ear for melody and Reynolds’ aching baritone and it all becomes rather special. Cardiff native Reynolds used to front a band called Jack (then later Jacques also) in the 1990s who were signed to Beggars Banquet imprint Too Pure. They played a brand of literary, baroque pop which may have been lost beneath the hysteria around Pulp and The Divine Comedy, or was possibly just not understood. I must admit I missed them at the time but a good friend of mine, Songs to Learn and Sing , still talks about Pioneer Soundtracks as one of his favourite albums of all time. http://www.anthonyreynolds.net/pages/jack-a_biography.htm A quick flick around that website reveals seminal influences in the shape of Japan, David Bowie and Scott Walker, among others. Those aren’t bad reference points for...