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Gone are the lingering folky affectations that were a key element of the duo’s debut Great Record in favour of a more consistent loud pop sound. The sparkling guitars jump out all over this place on this record. Highball do not disappoint on album number three A Parkhead Cross of Mind. Family Names is really something different but still oh-so relatable.Īs charter members of the Caledonian jangle mafia, Glasgow’s U.S. “Some People Are Talking” is a real treat, like Jonathan Richman meets the Rolling Stones in midtempo single mode. Then “Every Cowboy is a Winner” and “Poolside, Midnight” revel in their quirky pop lack of convention and bouncy punch. “The Parade” and “Running Around” get rockier, with some great organ and catchy lead guitar lines carrying the tunes. But at other times the band channels a laconic Lou Reed wild side vibe on tracks like “The Bunn.” This tension between a rockier sensibility and a more contemplative jazzy pop mood defines the album. The band cite Parquet Courts and Jonathan Richman as influences as you can definitely hear a bit of that going on when “I Don’t Want the World to Stop” plays. Then “Melatonia” rocks things up a bit more with some New Order-worthy guitar lines and chord strumming. The opening cut and title track showcases a lot of what follows: an engaging, playful melody, some almost jazzy guitar riffs, and a cramped, endearing 1980s vocal intimacy. Self-described ‘bleeding hearts power pop band’ Afterpartees mix an earnest yearning with blasts of quirky youthful fun on album number three Family Names. These very new releases are headliners all, teeming with should-be chart-climbing tunes. This edition of the news contains a superstar quartet, with material literally hot off the presses.