Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Frugality is a product of need, the desire to be cautious, to save and sacrifice temporary joy in the belief that it does not benefit the soul to have a moment of gladness run rampant around your mind.
Prudence is a watchword of observation, economy is to not allow the best of you to appear before the world, and yet to be a Thrift Store Troubadour is to sing and dance though the world is watching and having beauty and boon shine as different hats and clothes are sampled and worn for each occasion possible. That is the reassurance and ease of purchasing in the thrift store, no hassle, no looks of disdain from the shoppers around who seethe at the suggestion of wearing anything other than a named brand…for It’s Karma It’s Cool to be different and feel the groove of another smooth colour indeed.
Heads up and turn those speakers way up, for the band return with a brand-new set of songs that are fiercely independent, buoyant in their delivery, and are the epitome of the moment when you find that rare item hidden in a rail of gems and realise that its worth outshines everything else around. This is the song of the Thrift Shop Troubadour, the praise of hallelujah as the rarity is in your hands.
for It’s Karma It’s Cool have every reason to be proud of this album, not only does it feature the legendary Peter Holsapple on three of the tracks, but the whole of the experience is one of secure luxury, of boundless energy; this is looked over garment that when unwrapped becomes the find of the season, and never once do the members of the band allow the music to become stilted or suffer under prejudice.
From the opening of the album, the industrious and gallant How Can You Be Blue, It’s Karma It’s Cool, leap into action and proudly, and with utter conviction, take the listener singing through the aisles of plenty with caution thrown to the wind.
Across tracks such as Warmer Climes, Winter Coats, the knowing and knowledgeable Jenni, We’re All Fighting Wars, the groove of Vacations In A Taxi Cab and The Terms Of Letting Go, the band operate with swiftness of heart and the beat of a bard in residence.
Always look a little closer as you peruse the rails, as you seek out that limited number to wear in your mind as the music flows, for Karma and Cool are both in search of fresh hearts, and you never know how you will love them in return until you gaze upon its uplifting spirit
Ian D. Hall