Bingo Records not only have one of the best record label names ever, but they also have a knack for snapping up really cool bands, Mr Ben and The Bens being a case in point. So when they say they’ve got a new EP out by someone we haven’t really covered before, well, it’s about time we put that right. Obviously I wouldn’t be writing about it if it was a pile of old you know what, but thankfully John Myrtle is an absolute musical treasure, who some of you may already know about, but is a newbie to me.
Think Nick Drake, Belle and Sebastian, and Syd Barrett all in one EP. It’s folky, psychedelic and hugely melodic throughout. ‘Foggy’ could be a long lost track by Love, it has that gentle expansive acoustic guitar sound and vocal melodies that cry out for long summer days. ‘There Must Be More To You and Him’ has a more subdued tone to its relaxing guitar sounds, but Myrtle still has such a great way with vocal melodies, that even the sad songs feel helplessly beautiful.
Myrtle goes for the full on British eccentric approach on ‘Cyril The Slug’ with its Kinks or The Pretty Things quirkiness, but it still manages to be a great little pop song. ‘Beware Of Love’ sounds like it could have come straight out of San Francisco in the late sixties, it has a woozy melancholia to it, with gentle guitars and harmonised backing vocals. Many of these songs may hark back to an era of peace and love, which is probably why I love it so much, being a huge admirer of all things sixties and a bit psych, yet all of them have Myrtle’s own gift for melody and his soothing vocal tones, which sets him apart from many other songwriters out there. Five tracks of summery bliss.
John Myrtle: Here’s John Myrtle – Out Now (Bingo Records)
From the early days of creating handmade zines, in a DIY paper and glue style, interviewing bands around town, then pestering Piccadilly Records to sell them, to writing for various independent mags such as Chimp and Ablaze, writing about the music I love is still a great passion. After testing the music industry waters in London with stints at various labels, being back in my hometown again, writing about this city’s vibrant music scene is as exciting as ever. All time favourite bands include Sonic Youth, Nick Cave, Patti Smith although anything from electro to folk via blues and pysch rock will also do nicely too. A great album, is simply a great album, regardless of whatever musical cage you put it in.
