Castle Face US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: It may only be January, but we already have a firm contender for time warp classic of 2017 here - this self-titled debut from Once & Future Band, somewhat contrary to their very name, is a veritable smorgasbord of sugary '70s prog-pop, indeed the kind of thing that Jeff Lynne continues to have fever dreams about to this very day. The harmonies here may bring to mind The Beach Boys, yet this meticulously constructed yet never precious album triumphs through its ability to conjure up an expansive and wonder-filled era of sonic grandstanding without ever sounding like tired retro pastiche. It's almost enough to have one wondering how that Jimmy Carter presidency will work out.