James Clarke Five was launched in the early 2000s by the Cherry Boys vocalist/keyboardist James Hughes and its latest offering, “Zoom and The Gadflies”, is a power pop gem, infused with several influences, including new wave, alt rock, rockabilly, psychedelic pop/rock, classic rock, electronica etc. It’s mostly melodic, guitar driven music, which sounds so sweet to the ears, but satisfies with its penchant for innovation. In the land of James Clarke Five it doesn’t matter if the final music outcome is pop or rock music – the important thing are the catchy hooks and the infectious melodies of the eleven songs of the album. James Clarke Five invites you to a sonic universe beyond musical boundaries, genres and clichés, full of sonic colors, elaborate instrumentation, passion and feelings. The opening track is somehow rockabilly, the second track reminded me of Beatles and the third song was like Marc Bolan’s T-Rex! Yet, “Zoom and The Gadflies” doesn’t stop here – the list is long! Throughout the album, James Hughes, who played all the instruments and sang every vocal, produced and mastered the album, skillfully weaves together different elements, vintage and contemporary, resulting in a sound that feels both timeless and modern. Songs like “Pineapple Rock”, “Manhattan Pigeon” and and “Buddy and Joe” showcase Clarke’s mastery of melody, with each note resonating with a sense of euphoria and nostalgia. The whole album is an immersive experience, which captivates and mesmerizes! At its core, “Zoom and The Gadflies” is a celebration of all things power pop, with Clarke paying homage to the genre’s rich legacy, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what it can achieve. This album is destined to become a beloved addition to any music lover’s collection.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
