(Independent)

Shoegazing pop with its head in the clouds

Listening to this album from Brisbane duo Cellophane Rain is like being blanketed in a warm, shimmering cloud, floating in a haze of entrancing pop. That said, this self-produced debut is far from lightweight, grounded by some fantastic songwriting and musicianship. Showing an affinity for bands such as the Sundays, My Bloody Valentine, and Blonde Redhead, the material ranges from the breezy opener Good Morning Light, to the darker, psychedelic Orchid (the album highlight), to delicate miniatures like Blue. Much care and attention has been given to the record's production, which, although quite dense, provides a subtle, atmospheric cushion for main vocalist Laura Ferris (who sounds like a mixture of Mazzy Star's Hope Sandoval and Kazu Makino from Blonde Redhead). Despite one or two throwaway tracks, this is a great debut from a pair of creative and even sometimes surprising composers. A group to watch out for.

JOHN PORTER