Booley

Item: Bathroom Floor
Author: Jeanette Strole

Bathroom Floor

(1999)

Reviewed by Jeanette Strole

Discogs YouTube

Label Medieval Haircut RecordsHM Magazine #88March/April 2001

britpop indie pop jangle pop piano rock

When Britrock actually hails from the British Isles, one should probably take extra notice. Booley provide jangly UK-type pop-rock with earthy, organic appeal. Each song is stuffed full of various noises and instruments, (Rhodes and Hammonds, piano, xylophone, tubular bells) blended effectively into a tapestry of guitars and drumming.

One might make loose associations to Van Morrison, Gin Blossoms, Counting Crows, The Miscellaneous and at times there are hints to those kilted Scots in Travis. "Bathroom Floor," the title track, has radio-hit all over it. (Listening to the drawn-out pronunciation of the word 'bathroom' also reinforces their non-American-ness.) "Day After Disaster" stands out with its mellow vocals, sauntering tempo, and rhythmic guitars. "Patrick Moore" might be an "amps at eleven" song, with a whole lot of energy. Lingering in my mind the most is "Drown," which fuses phrases like "stained glass guiding sunlight" with syncopated percussion, and wistful vocals.

Hopefully the ocean between here and there won't be too big of an obstacle for Booley to cross over, since all of us Yankees could use a good dose of melodic, crisp, and genuine Britrock once in a while.