Search - Euros Childs :: Miracle Inn

E.C. was here

John L Murphy | Los Angeles | 04/08/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Beatles influences, as the previous reviewer noted in comparing Euros Childs to Paul McC, are increasing in the albums released by Gorky's Zygotic Mynci's former lead singer. I've always liked his distinctive, rather quavering voice on such GZM records as "Spanish Dance Troupe," and the fact a couple of songs here refer-- it seems deliberately-- to the title track's narrative of a schoolboy's fling and "Poodle Rockin'"s canine frolic, the musical intertextuality grows. Parts of this, even before I heard the multi-sectioned fifteen-minute title track #7 here, reminded me of "Abbey Road."



Now, as I'd prefer a solid Euros Childs or Gorky's track to an overly familiar Beatles tune by this time in my life of listening, I do think that this mannered style adopted by E.C. could be his weakness as well as his strength. The early GZM records revelled in more of a twisted lysergic folk-rock, mixing much more experimentation. When that Welsh band signed to a larger label than Ankst, the energy dissipated and was simmered into a lovely, pastoral, yet controlled and dignified pop music. It showed the lush influence of the 60s, but far more of Paul's bucolic ditties than John's anarchic studio trickery. Euros may have been the stylistic force behind this maturation of the young band as they left behind whimsy, for his solo records continue in this subdued style.



The songs that I preferred here bring his voice down, and make it more akin to folk than the West Coast California upbeat tunes that alternate with denser, more contained ballads here. The latter work much better for his expressive voice as he continues to blend Brian Wilson with Paul McCartney, but I do wish I'd hear more of an edge. Akin to John Lennon as a reminder of what he has shown longtime fans like me of what he's capable of in musical ambition and exuberant imagination. While indie-rock musicians the past dozen years have often turned to the Beach Boys and Beatles as their influences, we also need some geniuses who recall the Welsh rabble-rousers on Sain, and the likes of Kevin Ayers, Meic Stephens, and the fringes of the British prog-folk underground. Childs in the past has shown himself able to integrate those artists into his own work with earlier GZM. I'd like to see this eclecticism on his solo albums too.



P.S. Check out former GZM Richard James for his strong solo début, "The Seven Sleeper's Den," which was a reminder of how much talent GZM had."

Great pop here

Joseph Broze | chicago | 11/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great solo record from a former member of Welsh psychedelic-melody-maniacs GORKY'S ZYGOTIC MYNCI. This record is highly influenced by the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and especially Paul McCartney's early solo albums.



This album, which I believe is his third, is largely piano/guitar/drums-driven, again like McCartney's solo LPs. The lyrics are mostly about growing up, notably the six-part, sixteen minute title track about the singer's favorite dive in his small Welsh hometown.



Overall, this is highly creative and fun pop music, both reflective and appropriate for a drive on a sunny day."