Blossoms - Gary

Blossoms have always pushed against definition. From the moment 'Charlemagne' began to take over indie nights, a path was set that many presumed or wanted Stockport's finest to follow. It says everything about Blossoms that they've rebelled against what's expected to become one of the most interesting British bands of their generation with a knack for timeless pop songwriting. It's born out in its fullest on 'Gary', an album that finds Blossoms at their sharpest, where personality meets swagger, bursting with immediate charm.

Underpinned by tales of rogue nights out ('Nightclub'), stolen gorilla statues ('Gary'), and childhood friendships with an added dose of Rick Astley references ('Mothers'), 'Gary' thrives in its carefree fun. Everything is dipped in the smooth and sensational: the chopping riffs of 'Big Star', the stadium-sized 'Perfect Me' with its sense of escape that made The Killers very big indeed, the Harry Styles-esque weave of 'Cinnamon', or the CMAT-featuring cracks of 80s stormer 'I Like Your Look', to name just a few. On 'Gary', Blossoms are tighter and warmer than ever, with the sound of an instant classic but the heart of your mates hanging out at the pub. It's a combination that makes 'Gary' an album born to be replayed and a distillation of everything Blossoms have pointed to since the very start.

Throwing away boxes or labels, 'Gary' is the most fun you'll have with any band in 2024.