Album title:
Psychogeography
Artist:
UK States
Label:
hitBACK
UK States' Psychogeography is experimental folk rock that works; full of well planned, unexpected sounds and smart lyrics. On first glance the album's artwork implies a traditional folky sound; a line drawing of a guitar and a bottle of alcohol, it smacks of your typical Brit-rock standards. Even the first few tracks are unassuming. But third track Saddle Me Up is the first indication of expectations flipped: lyrics like "I take a load of pro-plus, I jump in front of a bus, only I don't, 'cos I didn't take enough" are smoothly backed up by lean guitars and hints of synth. A certain willingness to experiment is followed throughout the album on songs like Be Brazil, made up of only six lines. Complex but still radio-friendly, this is a fair excursion into British folk pop. [Hamza K]