Euros
Childs – Situation Comedy (National Elf)
Former Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci frontman, Euros Childs
has an otherworldly quality and musical style that’s totally his own. For “Situation
Comedy” he doesn’t disappoint, producing an album which is as witty and charming
as it is slightly oddball and elfin. His ninth solo LP since Gorky’s end in
2006, the album moves away from the synth, in favour of a wholesome piano-pop
sound.
It begins with “Tête à Tête”, featuring a playful
tune with an “Octopus’s Garden” / “Thomas The Tank Engine” hue. There’s a
Sparks-ish feel to “Second Hand Blues”, the masterfully melodic “Ooh La Oona”
is just plain magnificent, whilst “Daddy’s Girl” cues a country waltz.
Overall the tracks are pretty theatrical but no more
so than “Give The Girl a Hand – The Peanut Vendor” and the inclusion of flute
on tracks like “Tina Said” and “Good Time Baby (Talk To Me)” add a touch of the
folk whimsy, for which Childs is admired.
The lyrics often carry a grey undertone with his
acutely observational lyrics approaching subjects of self-dissatisfaction,
Welsh landscapes spoilt by second homeowners and sexual deviance. In
contrast the LP’s musical tone is quite buoyant, with the exception of “Brides
In The Bath” which, to an unsettling melody, a madcap tale of murder by
drowning is recounted.
“Trick of The Mind” is certainly just that, leading
from a sparse and sombre intro via just a few well chosen lyrics, into
fairytale enchantment: an utterly mesmerising conclusion.
In all good record shops now or order direct from The
National Elf Library at:
Willsk
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