TheDepravationsAre you looking for something to warm the heart and soul in these bleak early months of the year? Well step right ahead and delve into the world of The Depravations. Let these surf indie-folk rock-tunes wash over you and tease out the feelings of summer.

There is a joyfulness straight from the outset on the compact and harmony rich I Heard The Sound. If the album were to have nothing but songs of this type it would be pretty much a one trick pony. But The Depravations are capable of showing much greater depth as displayed on Oh My Love which begins with a similar intro to Blur’s Beetlebum. It continues with a measured build up, unexpected turns and glorious harmonies. It is all so satisfying, like popping bubble wrap or stepping on someones sandcastle.

The lush, languorous Baby, There’s a God Above feels like a natural continuation from Oh My Love. The first songs only hint at the folky surf rock that becomes fully apparent on I Get Lost and Let Me Go. Vocally David Boland’s style is located somewhere between Clap Your Hand Say Yeah’s Alec Ounsworth and Cloud Control’s Alister Wright. His is a clear distinct style and when coupled with his wry lyrics give the songs a terrific sing a long quality. It’s difficult to not find yourself repeating “I’m lost all the fucking time” to the tune from I Get Lost at least twenty times during the day.

Elsewhere the jolly rhythm to Let Me Go has the paradoxical line “I’m getting cancer, my thoughts are cancer.” It’s this sort of lyrics that makes you stop and think about what you are humming along to. This is more than just a disposable indie song.

The undulating lament of Lost Love impresses, before the album passes into more melancholy territory with We Are All Mortal. The music is uplifting in a gentle caressing way. The cymbal touches on Old Love Song make you feel you are being carried away on calm waves. We Were Young is a solid album track but lacks the memorable melodies of previous songs, while the album finishes on a high with the breezy All My Life. And with that you’re at the end. In a way it’s all ended too soon and you have to repeat the album again, which is always a sign you’re listening to something special.

From start to finish the production throughout the album is excellent. The song structures are varied and the lyrics are a cut above the average song writer’s efforts. With an appearance on the Rosin Dubh stage at The Westport Festival secured, Galway’s The Depravations are set for a big year. Do yourself a favour and get this album, you won’t regret it.