The Pearlfishers
Across The Milky Way

LA RECENSIONE

It truly is a shame that albums like this go unnoticed and that only a small group of people are able to grasp the exquisite fruit that is nestled within its “grooves.”

The Pearlfishers from Glasgow are no more than a “one man band” centered around its mastermind, David Scott, who is the writer and performer of all the tracks. It's striking to realize that they've been active for more than a decade or even two if we consider some early projects of their leader's career, without almost anyone noticing their presence.
To come from Glasgow inherently implies a sad, rainy, and melancholic spirit, but at the same time sunny and bright, capable of imparting a glimmer of light to illuminate the dark, endless, and misty Scottish days. Who knows who might have inspired them or what they wanted to convey by choosing a youthful figure in discreet beachwear—so discordant with their origins and, in a certain sense, with the music they offer—to place on the cover.

Music that is understandable from the first listen. Sublime pop that unambiguously harks back to the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and Brian Wilson. However, the name that recently comes to mind as a close comparison is the early Ben Folds Five, especially with the crystalline piano touches. Also, Prefab Sprout and High Llamas just to stay within the realm of tasteful and classy pop and to endorse it all, the great old Burt Bacharach.
I find it overly tedious and unnecessary to debate which tracks are better than others, considering we are faced with fifty minutes of music that travels at medium-high levels with very few dips in tension.

Personally, when albums of this caliber come my way, I spontaneously ask myself how many other bands and/or soloists are orbiting in the musical underground without anyone bringing them (deservedly) to light.

They call themselves pearl seekers, but I can assure you that in this case, we have found the pearl.