In keeping with his now traditional modus operandi, the new – and third – Swiss Portrait (Michael Kay Terence) album entitled Someday, was written, recorded and produced entirely by Michael, all by himself in his bedroom just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Listening to Someday, you’d never know. There is a decidedly 1980s vibe to the bedroom pop sound that has also permeated the songwriting of more traditional modern acts like The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and Alvvays and the work here is of a similar quality.
Recent single “Worries” starts us off. Beginning with sparse electronic drums that sound a lot like Joy Division but only until the other instrumentation comes in, and when it does, it rapidly sheds its skin and is undeniably a Swiss Portrait song. “Photobooth” – another of the album’s lead-up singles – follows in the same vein and is a shimmery lament that sounds strangely like Summer turning into Autumn. The album effortlessly glides from hazy dreampop that glitters and sparkles (“Soft Light”) to pounding, catchy, clappy, almost happy-go-lucky sounding moments (“Talk”) but there’s always that sombre Smiths-esque undertone.
Speaking of The Smiths, Someday definitely has an unmistakable sonic identity – Johnny Marr inspired jangly guitars, steady electronic drums (which actually sound quite a bit like Mike Joyce to me on occasion) and far-away, faint vocals. Crucially, however, there is enough alteration and deviation throughout the course of the album to keep things fresh. “Life Boat” is a good example of this, where Michael employs a percussive choice that reminds the listener a little bit of a woodpecker (trust us, it works), “Say It’s You” is somewhat haunting, particularly in its closing minute or so and on “Somewhere In Between” the bassline takes centre stage.
This is clearly an album borne of love, appreciation and adoration for the artform. You get the impression that Michael HAS to do this. And we think we’re all the better for having him around.
There are a small amount of limited edition (and rather beautiful) cassettes available on his Bandcamp page here. Get em while they’re hot, they won’t last long.
Written by Kinda Grizzly
