Junior Electronics

Apparently nobody hangs around the likes of Stereolab and the High Llamas without sharing a similar musical philosophy, and that's very much the case with Junior Electronics. It turns out that Joe Watson has played with both of the aforementioned bands and as a result, Musostics has that retro, easy-listening quality that's instantly familiar. Unfortunately, it just isn't that memorable. All the right bits and pieces are here ― Watson uses authentic analog instruments throughout and there are touches of Krautrock, Beach Boys and Burt Bacharach ― but far too much of it starts off promising before shifting into jazzier meanderings. Thankfully, he has the sense to keep the track length relatively short, but even at four minutes too many of the songs overstay their welcome. Musostics isn't an unpleasant listen by any means, but it doesn't have the same kind of warmth and charm as his pals' music.