Oh Minnows For ShadowsReview

Oh Minnows is the work of Chris Steele-Nicholson, previously part of spaced-out synth-group Semifinalists. But those perplexed by his past musical pursuits can relax somewhat, as things take a much more familiar shape on his first full-length under this moniker. That said, For Shadows is certainly a collection which deserves a deep dig, as all is not evident on a first listen.

From the start there are shades of Deerhunter's woozy melancholy, especially come At the Rehearsal, a slow-of-pace affair which seems a lot more deliberate and less garish than some of the surrounding content. Its melody flows out until a chorus erupts, without warning – a trademark of this songwriter. Similarly structured is If You Had, which rides a steady pulse with effeminate vocals coming to the fore.

There is a fine line to be walked between overdoing it with synths and keeping them an integral and prominent part of proceedings, without them becoming manifestly overbearing. And here, the times they begin to border on the excessive are relatively short and sweet, keys petering away before a hush fills the vacant space. Ebbs and flows are consistent, and rarely is a track filled with unnecessary clutter.

Curiously enough, it is the album's shortest song, Some Reasons Why, which distorts the common form and theme to best effect, shuffling along minimally yet hastily, all over in under two minutes. Yet, if there is a track which demonstrates For Shadows at its best, it is Everyday: the number’s tones of love lost and self-doubt slide hazily betwixt lazy guitar chords and an equally lethargic beat. It brings together all which came before, and subtly so, its chorus echoing desperately, "What am I good for?"

While it does feature its share of repeat-play surprises, For Shadows is not a record which shows its strength with depth. Rather, it presents its riches often, with little fuss, Steele-Nicholson’s strolling electronic ballads fitting incredibly well alongside one another. An album which regularly explodes with expansive and densely textured choruses, this debut is ripe with fine, dynamic pop tunes.