New album from Groovy Shirt Club

Groovy Shirt Club‘s new full-length record Electric Flowers is a refreshing take on retro rock n roll music, featuring a modern edge that will captivate both old-school and contemporary listeners. In a time when music production is heavily reliant on software, digital instruments and samples, the band’s commitment to capturing live performances by real people playing real instruments is admirable. The result is a collection of twelve songs that seamlessly blends vintage and current sounds, creating a unique listening experience.

The outfit is formed by musicians Robert O’Neil on guitar and vocals, Ola Brown on vocals, Bruce O’Neil on piano and keys, bass player John Gracie, and Neil Bullock on drums. The chemistry between the members is palpable, and their friendship and mutual respect are reflected in their music. Their commitment to analogue techniques and live performances is admirable, and it separates them from the production of digital derivatives that saturate the current music scene.

The album begins with the energetic and catchy “We Are Everyone”, which sets the tone for the rest of the tracks. The bright guitar-led instrumentation, energising splashy drums and multiple vocalists create a dynamic sound that’s both familiar and fresh. “A Walk in the Park” and “Midnight Blue” showcase the band’s ability to craft perfectly layered soft rock songs, with each instrument adding its own character to the overall sound.

One of the standout tracks on the album is the title-track “Electric Flowers”, a soulful ballad that’s both reflective and jubilant. The bass and guitar interplay is exquisite, with delicate lead vocals that blend together to deliver dazzling harmonies.

The band’s influences from 60s and 70s melodic rock, jazz, soul and blues is evident throughout the LP, with shades of classic sounds from songwriters and bands like Billy, the Eagles, the Beatles and Burt Bacharach. The retro sound is not simply a nostalgic gimmick, but a genuine expression of the band’s musical philosophy. The songs on Electric Flowers are a philosophical take on life, love and the human experience, reflecting the band’s integrity, honesty and ego-free ethic.

The production of the album is noteworthy, with the recordings made at various locations, including Reservoir Studios, Crouch End, and Pirate Studios in Dale End and Camden. The scratches, scrapes, knocks, and bumps deliberately left in the mix give the album a warm, organic feel that honours the character and personality of the musicians and the music.

Groovy Shirt Club’s Electric Flowers is a delightful album that showcases the band’s talent for crafting vintage-inspired rock n roll jams with a modern twist. The instantly catchy melodies, vibrant instrumentation and soulful vocals will appeal to a wide range of listeners, while the band’s commitment to live performances and analogue techniques adds a unique character to the overall sound. If you’re a fan of rock music and timeless songwriting, Electric Flowers is an album that should not be missed.

Listen to Electric Flowers below