The Hanging Stars – Songs For Somewhere Else (LP)

The second album is more varied than its predecessor and sees them expanding into new territories whilst continuing to channel an English wistful ethereality grown from American soil. Tracing their inspiration from Dennis Wilson to Gram Parsons and On The Beach-era Neil Young (1974), they equally draw from early gospel soaked Spiritualized, jangle pop, spaghetti western soundtracks, old bossa nova records, and prohibition-era blues.
Touching on themes of fear of pain, death and failure, the songs strike a rich emotional chord. From the pensive melancholia of album opener “On A Sweet Summer’s Day”, to the Big Star-tinged lead single “Honeywater” and the gorgeous instrumental “Djupsjön”, inspired by the dense southern Swedish pines of Olson’s childhood, the album is a varied delight. With this album, The Hanging Stars usher the next phase of their musical development, with Olson’s astute lyrical observations and honeyed vocals at the fore, backed by the band’s creative musical arrangements.