The Close-Ups are the creation of one Carl Green. Green doesn't want to be a pop star and the uses the cartoon personnel of The Close-Ups as a front for his music and is joined by Abby Conor who provides the vocals. 2am In Flat 3b is the first album after three limited edition 7" singles since 2004's debut I'm On My Way which alongside Mascara Dave and Felt Pen Steel Shutter are included on the album.Musically the album is of the indie pop variety with more than a slight commercial edge for the want of a better word. The songs are well written with catchy tunes and Conor's unique vocals supply another dimension to them. I previously described her vocals as all the girl singers you have ever known and loved. But on helium and that description still fits, almost snugly at times.
The songs topics shift from absent fathers to bosses, from dress sense to low paid work, to boys and simply not fitting in. The usual every day life occurrences, wrapped up, bubblegum style. The lyrics, sometimes jokey or sometimes serious, strike a chord but are not rammed down your throat either. The highlights are I'm On My Way, Saturday Girl In Bedworld and Come On Home which is an ode to celebrities and fictional characters as per The Beloved's Hello.
This album is a good example of what a fun, throwaway pop album could and should be. Purchase, listen and go! (7/10)
You can listen to previews of most of the tracks here.
Buy 2am in Flat 3b from the band's site or from:
Rough Trade
Piccadilly Records
Norman Records
CD Baby
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