This is the self-titled debut album by Scottish indie duo The Cords who are from Greenock, not to be mistaken for Mod legends the Chords, or associated with the orbit around the Tedeschi trucks band despite the duo being Eva and Grace Tedeschi, the album was produced by Jonny Scott and Simon Liddel.
The album opens with the Mod indie of Fabulist, that is all speedy jangle pop innocence, asking why you're this way, when of course you could just be another parka wearing mod making the life of that Fabulist seem more mundane than it is, this has some very sunshine bright guitars.
Just Don't Know (How To Be You) so instead just be yourself, the dreamy guitars and super sweet vocals delve into your discomfort in your own body, they have stolen your face and your identity as a super star of the Sarah records scene.
October is adrenaline rush guitars and super speedy vocals, telling us all the things that have changed since that October day, things will never be the same, so don't try to go back to the old ways again.
Vera isn't about rolling papers or white cliffs, it jangles in achingly familiar ways, that have me trying to figure out what song this really reminds me of, but I always get distracted by just how catchy this song is.
Doubt Its Gonna Change is wise before its years, we know we are going to hell in a handcart, just enjoy the descent into the maelstrom and the consequences of your thoughts, that have such awful consequences, how dare you be so rude to them,
You are the rascal that needs destroying with clattering guitars raging against the jangle, get out of the way they know they are better off without you. Bo's New Haircut is so cool it needs celebrating in song, before going out and trying to find a tonsorialist to recreate Bo's look for you.
I'm Not Sad no they are bucking the indie wallflower trend and are happy and upbeat, no lurking at the back of clubs looking miserable for them, they are making sure to be happy. Yes Its true this is a great jangling shoegaze anthem, that you need to keep on repeat to hear just what the guitars and drums are doing, while you imagine what it was you did.
Weird Feeling is what they have in your presence, what is it you do to them, well this sweet tune will make sure you understand just what it is you do to them, just one look will do it to them. Done With You is a super urgent message that your dumped and should never be seen in the duo's orbit again, you're to be totally ghosted, they have a few reasons for this, so listen and find out why you're persona non gratis.
Rather Not Stay is a cool retort to that old clash question Should I Stay Or Should I Go, they have pre-empted the question by telling us they don't really want to go, but they ain't staying, it's time to hit the streets and get away from what you want to do, maybe if you gave them more options of things to do together they might change their minds and let you play Hazel O'Connor's Will You to them.
The album closes with When You Said Goodbye a widescreen parting shot, for the sweet sorrow of a loved one deciding to walk out on them, gone for the last time, it hurts and no matter what they say to you it won't change your mind, no matter how angelic the sighing vocals get you out of here.
