Short Reviews [The Lemon Clocks - 2022 - "Abre Los Ojos"]

The 2022 release saw another change in that the guys reduced the number of instruments being utilised, while everyone who performed on the previous release is listed as a full member, plus there is the addition of bassist Peter Morris. We get 14 originals from Stefan and Jeremy, and then they close the set with a stonking distorted wonderful cover of The Kinks’ “I Need You” which sounds as if it is coming to us straight from 1965 as opposed to appearing on an album nearly 60 years later. It fits nicely to end an album where the band are somewhat more direct and less complex than previously, with songs like “Be Myself” sounding as if it was recorded in 1967 as opposed to recently, both in style and sound. The Lemon Clocks continue to demonstrate they are a band out of time, but they continue to operate in three separate countries with the Atlantic between them, yet somehow, they always sound as if they are in the same studio, playing live and having fun. This is music which makes the listener smile as it never tries to be anything it isn’t but is much more than just a homage to a time and scene which is long gone as this music allows us to understand the scene is still here right now. If you enjoy psychedelic power pop from the later Sixties which is packed full of hooks and great melodies, then look no further.