Split

This is a fantastic album. Lush has more of a pop sound than similar bands, with prominent vocals and shorter songs. The two longer songs on here, Desire Lines and Never-Never are both highlights though. The group manages to make these songs feel really atmospheric and not overly meandering. There are so many cool riffs and vibes on here. Uptempo tracks like Blackout and Starlust are mixed with more relaxed songs such as Desire Lines and When I Die, keeping the album interesting and fresh all the way through.

It sounds like these guys kind of struggled to get out from under the shadow of some of the more well-known bands on their label such as Slowdive and the Cocteau Twins. Sure, Lush wasn't as adventurous as those two: the vocals are never treated as another instrument like with the Cocteau Twins, and the guitars never quite create a brick wall of distortion like with Slowdive. As a result though, I feel like Split and Lush in general should actually be more broadly appealing. Nevertheless, I'm glad I gave this one a shot.

Stand-out track: Lit Up