REVIEW: A FINE DAY FOR SAILING – SAND BOX
Exeter band’s third album released on a German label, possibly due to the lack of a local audience that appreciates top-notch guitar pop. This is the album the Beach Boys would have made, if they had listened to British underground bands such as Television Personalities or Razorcuts. The set opens with Summer Blonde, which is also released as a 7” single. It should be all over the radio, on your car stereo and tattooed on your brain. But with a lack of money, PR and advertising, that’s very unlikely. The band’s singer and guitarist, Matthew Stead is an exceptionally passionate writer, and it’s evident that he also has a very hip record collection. The album is recorded by local studio genius and multi-instrumentalist, Andy Fonda, who also marks the album with his own distinct drumming skills. A Fine Day For Sailing should be playing packed shows and festivals, and we should have their names rammed down our throats. This is the sound the South West should be known for, instead of tiresome blues guitarists, soul-less metal merchants and middleclass-friendly jazz bores. File under “Could Have Been Bigger Than The Beatles”
Words: Arash Torabi
