The latest release from Swedish shoegazers Radio Dept. will add a dose of instant melancholia to even the happiest situation. Guitarist/vocalist Johan Duncanson coos simple lyrics in a hazy tone over spaced-out, softly distorted keyboards and strings. The music takes its time, the musicians too depressed to readily pluck strings—the guitars drone, feedback hangs in the air creating a Sigur Rós-like soundscape. It may sound like the basic shoegaze formula, but Clinging To A Scheme hides its complexity behind a veil of restraint. Various stylistic influences are craftily inserted behind the deceptively uncomplicated songs, “Domestic Scene” opens with a hint of ‘60s psychedelia, “Never Follow Suit” has that ‘80s Australian beach vibe with a dub beat, “David” draws on the freestyle sound, and “Four Months in the Shade” could have been the best Cure song ever. Each song is sweet and concise, Duncanson spreading the lyrics around sparingly. With the sunny tone of tracks like “Heaven’s on Fire,” Duncanson seems to be shyly befriending the listener with an offer: “Hi, here’s my band. I’m singing about my feelings, if you’d like to hear…” read full review at inyourspeakers.com
The Radio Dept – Heavens On Fire
