So Long, See You Tomorrow by Bombay Bicycle Club album review

Four albums into their career and Bombay Bicycle Club have blossomed into one of the UK's most loved indie bands. First album "I Had The Blues But I shook Them Loose" was a guitar driven record but it was a bit timid sounding, this didn't matter though seeing as the band still managed to build up a decent following. A drastic change then occurred for album two when they went all acoustic and folksy. The third album was then a mixture between the last two records. "So Long, See You Tomorrow" is, however, a lot more loose and free sounding as it sees Bombay Bicycle Club explore new territory rather than go back to their usual indie rock/folk sound.

From the get go it's pretty clear that this is an album that focuses heavily on production. Opener "Overdone" is big, bold and it's reminiscent of something off Primal Scream's album "Screamadelica" (but less trippy). This strong production may frighten people off but fear not, it's used for great effect. Through out the record you've got songs that sound optimistic and carefree. Take for example, "Feel" or "It's Alright now", both have bouncy rhythms galore like a never tiring kangaroo. These rhythms don't sound plain though, there's all kinds of drum effects and percussion going on in these songs.

Not only is the production great but "So Long, See You Tomorrow" is also awesome texturally. Backing musician regular Lucy Rose and newcomer Rae Morris both contribute vocals on quite a few of the tracks. These two may be on the album quite subtlety at times but their parts are never unnecessary because they really give the songs an extra something. This is apparent on numbers such as "Carry Me",  "Luna" and Eyes Off You". Lucy Rose certainly helps to (ahem) carry "Carry Me", and Rae Morris makes the main hook on "Luna" sound even stronger, thus making it more memorable.

Combine the trio of an ambitious Bombay Bicycle Club, a strong production, extra musicians and you've got one remarkable force. There are moments on this album that are simply awe inspiring thanks to the ingredients that have gone into it. "Home By Now" has a blissful piano part with angel like sounds everywhere. You've also got "Whenever, Wherever", which fusions strong beats, gentle melodies and a piano ballad outro all into one five and a half minute package. The highlight of this record though has to be "Come To". It has some massive sounding moments in it yet it still manages to keep a nice gentle tone. After this we then have closing track "So Long, See You Tomorrow" which is a nice finish to the album.

This is without a doubt Bombay Bicycle Club's best work to date and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Not only that but it's also the best album I have heard this year (so far) and it's going to be hard for anything to top it. Expect to see this one high up on people's "best albums of 2014" lists.

OVERALL RATING: 9/10

BEST SONGS: COME TO, HOME BY NOW, LUNA.