Sunny whimsy

(Morning Star, Friday 16 May 2008)

ALBUM: The Heart Strings - Try Fly Blue Sky
(Grandpa Stan Records)

PLOWING the same furrow as forgotten Irish popsmiths The Thrills, Brits The Heart Strings have delivered a melodic debut for which the word "whimsical" could form a complete review.

The seven-piece seem especially gifted at multi-instrumental numbers, which just serve to add wilful kookiness to the formula.

From poppy opener Kids through wistful highlight He Wanted to Fly and He Flew, there are harmonious gems aplenty here, written with a summer day in mind. Now that's blue sky thinking.