If like me you preferred it when Spiritualized laid off the gospel and stuck with the reverb (‘Lazer Guided Melodies’ and ‘Pure Phase’ in other words) then Pacific UV could well be about to brighten up your collection. The bands new album ‘Longplay 2’ is due to be released at the end of the month and it comes a full 5 years after their debut ‘Longplay 1’. There has been significant line up changes in the intervening period but we have been promised that the music has lost none of its dreamy artistry. Being new to the band I have fallen head over heels for their 2003 effort, with its soaring chords and wispy vocals it could almost be the sound of Verve had they carried on in the vein of form that saw them craft (their best album) ‘A Storm In Heaven’. ‘Scarlet’ is effortlessly cool, loose chords jangle and echo and Howard Hudson perfectly translates what it feels like to be Jason Pierce. Interestingly Lucas Jensen from hugger favourites Venice is Sinking provides the gentle tap tapping throughout the whole affair. I think I may have found my new favourite band. KD

Pacific UV - Scarlet

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Longplay 1 & Longplay 2
Year: 2003 & 2008