Their Majesties

Formerly called the Porcelain Gods, this young Halifax quintet have created a poppy, energetic, and inspired debut record full of both fuzz and fervour. Produced by former Superfriendz bassist Charles Austin, Lands where tales are tall does justice to its geographic musical ancestors while still showing Their Majesties to be creating their own version of fun and catchy pop songs. With three members sharing vocal duties, there is enough surprise to keep things exciting, and all voices work well together on the many anthems. Saccharine and exuberant vocals are favoured here, some of which can be indebted to the Matt Murphy and Joel Plaskett schools of singing. The second track "Shoestring Divider” moves from "oh ohs” complemented by a piercing guitar and then slows down to a Hawaiian-tinged shuffle. Many of the songs are driven by playful piano playing and feature horn orchestrations that will rope even the last stragglers into the party and keep them going all night long. Their Majesties are clever about their pop but don’t stick to a particular formula. Each track has its own way of reeling in the listener. This record is a fine effort of smart, funny, and hook-filled songs and is good wholesome fun. But the last song "Wayside” hints at what could lie in the future for Their Majesties — it is deeper, slightly psychedelic, and the band seem the most natural and relaxed on this track. They’re not trying to keep everyone up and running, but just doing their thing — and it works.