Joel Gion – Apple Bonkers

After nearly 20 years of rattling the tambourine for The Brian Jonestown Massacre – arguably the cushiest job in rock – Joel Gion finally pens a record of his own. No prizes for guessing what this ultimately resembles; there’s a similar mish-mash of Velvets-esque thrum, shoegazey fug and general lunacy to the wracked glory of his parent group. Apple Bonkers is more than worth the wait though, armed with a West Coast sunshine that prompts questions as to why this talent’s remained in the shadows for so long.

Smile is the real standout, with Slowdive whispers floating breezily across a tight mod groove, while elsewhere Gion tackles Stonesy shuffles and tripped-out ballads with enticing fervour. Best not to worry about the lyrics (Change My Mind’s tale of “heightened awareness” would be teeth-gnashingly awful if not for a lusciously immersive arrangement) – when the melodies are this heavenly, just let yourself drift blissfully away with them. [Will Fitzpatrick]