RIYL: Aberfeldy, Tilly and the Wall, Mates of State, Au Revoir Simone

The Camel’s Back is the third album from whimsical British duo Psapp (pronounced as simply sap) and marks the group’s full maturation from 2-minute synth hodgepodges to calculated yet catchy songs. It’s simple songwriting, but frontlady Galia Durant’s vocals are breathy (like Inara George or Nina Persson), just breathy enough to wear thin by track 10, but her lyrics are unique enough to keep the record spinning long after the same keyboard riffs and cow bell beeps outwear their welcome.

Most of the songs are just that: a multi-layered mix of violin, on-the-beat-keys, solid guitar, and perhaps just a touch of the moog to round it all out. The most beautiful moments are when the two singers harmonise á la Mates of State, adding another dimension to the strikingly sparse structure. Psapp don’t exactly do simplistic, but they don’t exactly create as full a sound as, say, multi-member British folk group Aberfeldy. Still, there’s something strangely alluring about the sing-song of “Fickle Ghost” and the measured melody of “Fix It” that make The Camel’s Back an excellent album.

Lying firmly in the genre of indie-pop, Psapp has certainly improved their widespread appeal this time around and produced the sort of album you wish you knew the words to so you could sing along. In short, The Camel’s Back is charming and folksy right to the end. If Psapp isn’t immediately classifiable to you, it might help to know they toured with Juana Molina and José Gonzalez to promote their second album, and it might make more sense if you give their first album, Tiger, My Friend, another listen to appreciate just how far Psapp really has come.

Recommended Tracks:

“Part Like Waves,” “Fickle Ghost,” “The Monster Song,” and “Fix It”