The Thrills
Santa Cruz (You’re Not That Far)
(Virgin)
Morrissey’s stamp of approval has historically been the kiss of death, but here’s where the curse is finally lifted. Dublin’s The Thrills played their first UK show supporting Moz at the Albert Hall, snaring hearts with a loose-limbed take on early Primal Scream, ‘Pet Sounds’-era Smiths and The [a][/a] that had instant converts screaming "who were they??" Now here’s their effortlessly classic debut to make good that promise with four tracks that saunter instead of swagger and kidnap your heart with a simple charm. ‘Santa Cruz’ opens with a barroom piano and the words "Well, tell me where it all went wrong" before heading for a joyous chorus, while ‘Your Love Is Like Las Vegas’ will leave you obsessed. Debut of the year.
Ian Watson
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