Description

Coming four years after their selftitled debut album, North London trio Theme Park embrace a new independent spirit, a bold sense of defiance and a fearless popfuelled vision with their second album lsquoIs This How It Startsrsquo. Three years in the making and completed on an ad hoc basis, lsquoIs This How It Startsrsquo is the result of the bandrsquos collaboration with their old friend Ben Garrett who, under the artist name Fryars, masterminded his own remarkable 2014 album lsquoPowerrsquo and has also collaborated with artists such as Lily Allen and Mika.Fully in control of their destiny, Theme Parkrsquos openminded approach to the album was to remain true to their vision, to take the bolder option when a safer option presented itself, and to take risks in all of the right places. Lyrically, it focuses on two different yet immediately complementary styles for some tracks, notably last yearrsquos lsquoL.A. Is Stealing My Friendsrsquo, Miles Haughton vocalsguitar adopts a direct and abrupt persona based upon his snappy Tweets, while on others he explores ideas more reflective and personal in nature.Completed by Milesrsquos twin brother Marcus bassguitarsynths and Oscar Manthorpe bassguitarsynths, Theme Park have created a record about growing up, about hitting your mid20s and seeing the world differently, and about the schism between real and online life. It often pits challenging emotions against uplifting, unashamed pop.Without getting too philosophical, youre always looking for stories and meanings in the blank space of life, says Miles. Lots of the songs are about the start of relationships, the start of things, reading meaning into things, trying to find the stories.After the scenesetting title track, the album bursts into life with lsquoYou Are Realrsquo, a song which tops swirling psychedelic pop and tropical, world musictinged grooves with a chorus thatrsquos both confidently immediate and atmospherically ethereal. That irrepressible sense of elation is also prevalent in lsquoSomething Goodrsquo, a track that prompted DIY to draw comparisons with Jungle and Jai Paul. Whether exploring vibrant disco vibes on lsquoDancing With The Other Girlsrsquo or moodier 80s pop on lsquo10AMrsquo, Theme Park exude a bright and buoyant soundscape layered with elastic bass, luminous guitars and rich array of synths.That summery concoction stands particularly proudly in the albumrsquos new track lsquoIrsquoll Do Anythingrsquo which is available now. Its about feeling a connection with someone when theyve got a boyfriend, says Miles. Its nice to write a song from the point of view of a villain. Theme Park CD is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only £5