Album Review: Blossoms Blossoms

Stockport five-piece Blossoms don't even pretend to hide their influences: this is baggy, swirling, Northern indie pop. Their debut album, the eponymous Blossoms, is an illustration of why they have been compared to both The Stone Roses and New Order. But it is a real statement of intent nonetheless.

The first single, 'Charlemagne' is a driving synth-pop number, all rolling drums and catchy hooks - it will stick in your head and stay there, which is probably exactly what they were aiming for. The lads continue on this trajectory with tracks such as 'At Most A Kiss,' 'Honey Sweet' and 'Getaway', which are all shimmering pop numbers. Blossoms' influences are there for all to see, Depeche Mode and New Order chief among them.

The album moves into more guitar-based territory with tunes like 'Blow Draft' and 'Blown Rose', demonstrating Blossoms' indie chops. Meanwhile, 'Cut Me I'll Bleed' bears a striking resemblance to U2's early work. Lead singer Tom Ogden has said that Blossoms "want to be a great pop band." While some of the initial energy is lost towards the end of the album, Blossoms is proof of that ambition. With catchy hooks, nostalgic motifs, and just enough grit to not completely fall down the 'pop' rabbit hole, this is a hugely worthwhile debut.