Based at the top of the UK in the area of Caithness, Neon Waltz could lay claim to being the country’s most isolated and, as a result, hardest working band. The Scottish group’s debut gathers influences from this rain-soaked area and delivers a stupendous record of intricately crafted, heart-swelling songs.

Under the backdrop of angelic introspective vocals, the five-piece’s swirling, melodic rock has a ‘wall of sound’ vibe which transcends a variety of genres, whilst always retaining a loyalty to delicate, emotional harmonies.

Apart from additional sessions in Glasgow, London and Dublin, Strange Hymns was recorded in Eastbourne in the late summer of 2016. A raw process being the order of the day the record button was hit as soon as they entered the studio to create their expansive debut.

Opener ‘Sundial’ is an atmospheric rush of indefinable sonic explorations before ‘Dreamers’ call to arms ignites the record: “You should do what you love while you can,” cries frontman Jordan Shearer as an insistent bassline and euphoric splashes of percussion glide along in an inspirational call to arms.

The grandiose ‘Perfect Frame’ then joyously ignites the record with sporadic crescendos in breathless abandon. Old favourite ‘Bare Wood Aisles’’ glorious organ line then takes over proceedings before ‘You & Me’ brings some positivity in what is an anthemic indie-rock track.

“What have you seen through your square eyes/With your storm gaze,” is the first line from the picturesque ‘Sombre Fayre’, which gently rises into existence before becoming an enormous rock track. This composition has never had a fully polished recording and yet still sounds brilliant.

Two of the finest tracks on the album then come along in the form of live favourite ‘Bring Me To Light’ and ‘Heavy Heartless’. The former’s motoric pulse arrives with a beat-quickening contemplation, cutting gentle sparkling synthetics with an unleashed rhythm section and a rare guitar solo. Meanwhile, ‘Heavy Heartless’ slowly ignites before a colossal soundscape propels the recent single onto another level. “Nothing’s OK/I’m going through a phase/Heavy heartless,” announces Shearer in a euphoric, imposing melodical moment.

A sensitive disposition then takes over for album closer ‘Veiled Clock’, which sees the Scottish group in slow, contemplative mood before a cathartic release is ushered in near the end. It caps off a terrific album laden with the passion and soul absent in today’s music industry. Strange Hymns is stirring and enriching with enough punch to help the band rise above their peers.

John O’Groats has turned picturesque isolation into breathlessly stringent melodies and emotional compositions in what is an evocative debut.

Paul Hill

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