Son Of Evil Reindeer

Snow Patrol'sGary Lightbodyis an ambitious fellow. Within ten months, the Reindeer Section recorded a second album, Son of Evil Reindeer, to follow up the critical indie hitY'All Get Scared Now, Ya Hear!Again,Lightbodygathered some of his Scottish musical mates likeEva'sJenny Reave,Arab Strap'sAidan Moffat, andRichard ColburnandMick CookeofBelle & Sebastian, but addedRoddy Woomble(Idlewild),Eugene Kelly(Eugenius,the Vaselines), andNorman Blake(Teenage Fanclub) to the musical fray, for a total of 27 artists. Son of Evil Reindeer is an emotional album, far more somber and inquisitive.Lightbodylooks into the mind's spiritual journeys and derives a glowing batch of songs. The inner beauty of Scotland can be heard throughout Son of Evil Reindeer, but the Reindeer Section focus on human conditions.Lightbody's low, glassy vocals sweep over the coolness of "Grand Parade" and "Budapest." The charming vocal combo ofKelly,Blake, andReavebreathes a freshness on "Strike Me Down," but pure pop bliss stretches further on the countrified romp of "You Are My Joy."Moffatis a muzzy, slick vocal crooner on "Whodunnit?," making this track the album's golden moment. The Reindeer Section are clever in their use of intricate instrumentation, making the lo-fi sketch of Son of Evil Reindeer sound more cohesive. It's sun-kissed with love-themed songs, andLightbodyshould be applauded. His musical vision combines simple, charming melodies and threads of brass and electronica. It's a magical formula. His songwriting, too, has shaped into a delightful book of discovery. Indie pop fans, brace yourselves for a daydream trip.