Joe Flory, AKA Amateur Best, releases his new album, The Gleaners. The product of three years writing and recording, the 10 tracks (39 min, 45 sec) that comprise this LP straddle the fine line between undiluted energy and muted melancholy.

Initially this was envisioned as a concept album about a charity shop-bought doll house, it transfigured into a full-on dance record. Produced and mixed entirely by Flory, the album applies diverse instrumentation and hardware to arrive at its unique and varied sound. Flory would buy old drum machines and synthesizers, make a song, and then sell it to buy the next piece of kit.

It's an impressive album, upbeat electronic pop meets laid back dance music (most notable on tracks like the catchy 'Marzipan'. Also, I couldn't help but be reminded of Queen's 'Radio Gaga' when listening to 'Part Timer', and I defy anyone to not want to get up and jump around the room when listening to the chorus of 'Leviathan'.

The Gleaners is an interesting album and is certainly worth checking out.

8

Nick Smithson