The spirit of Brian Wilson looms large over the sprightly tunes of Idiot Glee, the one-man band of Kentucky crooner James Friley. His debut album Paddywhack unfolds in a hazy storm of Casio keys, layered vocals and lo-fi rumblings basking in the glowering all-Americanisms of the Beach Boys' sun-kissed sound. While it never quite delivers the sort of good vibrations it aspires to, it does mark Friley out as an artist full of Technicolor pop promise.
The crackle and spark of Let's Go Down Together is irresistible, its blissful sound dragging like a surf rock 7" stuck on the wrong rpm. Teeming with sumptuous sung harmonies and ethereal organ sounds, it is an enticing piece of indie pop faintly evocative of Animal Collective's less opaque moments. It also boasts a rolling piano riff so infectious it practically warrants quarantining.
Summer kicks aplenty, there's enough in Friley's nostalgic throwbacks to soundtrack the impending sunshine months in style. This live rendition of the song was recorded at the legendary east London studio Dreamtrak exclusively for Q, and showcases his talents in full flow.
Words: Al Horner
Let's Go Down Together (DREAMTRAK Session) by Freeman PR
Idiot Glee will be touring the UK in May. We have a pair of tickets to give away to any of the below shows. To win, simply comment below by the end of the day (Friday 6 May) with the date you wish to attend and we'll gather the names, put them in a hat and pick a lucky winner.
Tour dates:
May 12 - Vortex Jazz Club, London
May 13 - The Great Escape, Brighton
May 19 Night & Day, Manchester
May 20 Captain's Rest, Glasgow
May 21 Liverpool Sound City
May 22 Brudenell Social Club / Hyde Park with Black Lips
9:31 AM | 06/05/2011
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