Blind Spot - A Refreshing Sight

            This is my first review of 2016, and my 18th review of a release, here on Track-By-Track.

            This is a truly exciting opportunity, because it's the first major dream-pop/shoegaze band that's come out with a studio release since My Bloody Valentine's MBV.  Though Lush needs no introduction for fans of the scene that celebrates itself, it's worth noting that Lush defined a place for themselves with solid albums like Spooky, and a sound both reminiscent of, and divergent from Cocteau Twins.  They're required listening for dream-pop and shoegaze fans, and have a laid-back yet energetic sound.
            Blind Spot is a great comeback, and a solid display of classic imaginative music.  It's like visiting an old friend who, instead of reminiscing with you about past memories, grabs your arm and takes you along for new ones.  Whoever or whatever let Lush get back together, this blogger is in debt to you.
            Here's my TBT:

            The EP begins with "Out of Control", a marvelous song, and a miraculous return to form for Lush.  Their classic sound has somehow survived the 20 years between releases and the death of their original drummer Chris Acland.  Excellent production, deep bass, great drums, fitting and cool lyrics and vocals, and flanged-chorused guitars that sound... Well, lush (no pun intended).  You know that feeling when bands reform and it doesn't sound half as good?  You won't ever feel that during this EP.

            "Lost Boy", the second track, reminds me a bit of mid-phase Cocteau Twins, and early '00s David Bowie, with a spooky (pun partially intended) vibe.  Very wide guitars and vibrant strings take the cake on this one.  It sounds like what the lighter goth bands of the '90s could have turned into.  The chords remind me of Billy Corgan's leaked demo of "Identify."

             The third track, "Burnham Beaches" is upbeat, and has loads of airy atmosphere.  The chord changes are natural yet original, and horns and shimmering synths highlight great vocals.  With a catchy beat and guitars lower in the mix, it sounds like a song made years after the others.  The end is ecstatic, and sounds like the ending of an album.

            The final track of the EP, "Rosebud" is a surprise because it's slower, and more pensive than the other songs.  It's more lyric-focused, and thankfully, its lyrics vocals are worth highlighting.  It's likely the reason for the title of the EP.  It's like a fusion of the '60s, '90s, and alternative music made in the near future.  Expect to hear more songs like this from modern bands.

            Overall, Blind Spot is a fantastic return for one of the dream-pop mainstays of the '90s.  The word "refreshing" keeps popping up in my head during repeated listens, mainly because it's an EP that doesn't sound over-processed, by a band that didn't radically and unnecessarily change its sound, and hasn't watered down the melodic construction and lyrics of its music.  Will the vast majority of modern music start changing toward more experimental, honest music?  I'll let "Out of Control" answer: "Change has already begun."