"Lay Of The Land:" New single from The Shop Window

By Henry Lipput

“Lay Of The Land,“ (Bandcamp) the new single from The Shop Window, is the band’s first new music since their excellent debut album The State Of Being Human was released earlier this year.  The band has said the new song is a taster of what can be expected on their next album which was recorded in August after rehearsals in June and July.

The swirling psychedelic vibe of "Lay Of The Land" is darker in both music and lyrics than earlier compositions; in some ways it’s the band’s “Tomorrow Never Knows.” As songwriter Carl Mann put it: “It’s about experiencing dark times along the way, getting lost down a few rabbit holes, meeting the wrong people, and getting oneself back into a better place. Eventually figuring out what this is all about: Love!” 

Like an afternoon that alternates between clouds and sunshine, the verses lay out life's dark corners while an uplifting chorus provides answers. In addition, the superb interplay of the band members also casts a bright light on the song’s sometimes menacing tone. 

The rhythm section of  Martin Corder on bass and Phil Elphee on drums bring a solid foundation to the proceedings. The vocals of Mann and Syd Oxlee are like the singing of Lennon and McCartney on early Beatles recordings in which their voices meshed into one sound. And, as always, Mann’s stellar contributions on guitar, from the treated opening to the jangle pop sounds he brings throughout, are the band’s secret weapon.