Martin Courtney – Many Moons – Album Review by Killian Laher

Martin Courtney, main man from pleasant power poppers Real Estate has just released his debut solo album. The mood is relaxed and mellow from the opener Awake. Some duelling guitars reminiscent of Lloyd Cole or a very laid back Television conjure up a gorgeous atmosphere not far off kindred spirits Ultimate Painting. Foto has the breezy atmosphere of Nick Drake’s Bryter Layter, helped in no small way by the strings which run through it. After a strong start, the album settles into a very chilled out groove. The likes of Vestiges and Before We Begin are so lush and chilled they’re practically horizontal, while elsewhere Courtney’s drawling vocals on Northern Highways will delight Teenage Fanclub aficionados.

It should come as no surprise that midway through the album there’s an instrumental, ‘pastoral’ title track, nor that there’s a track titled Asleep (though it’s one of the more energetic tracks here). However Courtney maintains the ‘overcome-with-bliss’ mood throughout. Little Blue sounds anything but, almost blushingly pleased with itself, and closer Airport Bar will have you thirsting for light ales rather than the more full-bodied variety.

Guitars jangle rather than crunch throughout, creating a lush atmosphere of general loveliness. A little variation wouldn’t have gone astray but for those dreaming of lazy summer days, even in November, this could be your soundtrack.

Tracklist:

1. Awake
2. Foto
3. Vestiges
4. Before We Begin
5. Northern Highways
6. Many Moons
7. Asleep
8. Little Blue
9. Focus
10. Airport Bar

Northern Highways: