Pip Blom release their sophomore album, Welcome Break, via Heavenly Recordings. An extensive touring schedule, which saw the Dutch 4-piece roam over field, oceans, and Glastonbury’s John Peel stage, followed the release of their debut record Boat. Welcome Break is inspired by the ubiquitous service dotted along Britain’s motorways...

Welcome Break is an upbeat indie album that kicks off on the right foot with the catchy 'You Don't Want This'. Over the course of the 11 songs (39 min, 32 sec). You soon discover, as the LP rumbles on, that this a bit of a slow burner. There's little here that grabs you or is memorable on the first few play throughs.

However, if you allow it to breathe and keep returning to it, the rewards are worth it. The songs are strong and fairly timeless. It's not a million miles away from the indie rock bands of the '90s.

The strongest tracks, or at least the ones that are instantly accessible, are the opener 'You Don't Want This' and closer 'Trouble in Paradise'.

7

Nick Smithson