Cloud Control – Dream Cave

Cloud Control evidently have an eccentric streak. In terms of production, Dream Cave is notable for being part-recorded in an actual cave, while all across their second full-length lie traces of a desire to offer something unusual and exciting: the twisted repetitions of testy opener Scream Rave, for example, or the oddball chorus of Moonrabbit ( 'I’m not crazy/ Moonrabbit/ You’re the one that’s crazy').

Yet brush off its psychedelic dusting and Dream Cave’s conventionality becomes clear (a not unpleasant trait, it should be added). Plenty here works very nicely indeed: The Smoke, The Feeling spins gold from influence-du-jour Fleetwood Mac; lead single Dojo Rising possesses a demure pop appeal; while the title track’s doo-wop sway is easy to fall for. But sullying matters are tracks that outstay their welcome or that seem to lack purpose altogether (in particular the dirge-like Tombstone), holding Dream Cave back from inspiring true reverie. [Chris Buckle]