"Proud of My Postcode" by Longboat
Founded in Seattle in 2011, Longboat is an eclectic, genre-defying musical project led by jazz tenor saxophonist and songwriter Igor Keller. With more than 500 original songs to his name, Keller is a prolific creative force whose restless curiosity continues to drive his exploration of the worlds of electronic music and pop.
Proud of My Postcode, Longboat’s 37th album, is an entirely electronic exploration of Britain and London, viewed through the eyes of a Seattle-born musician with a deep and enduring affection for the UK. Recorded at Strongroom Studios in Shoreditch and engineered by Will Davies, the album brings together reflections on British history, culture and the everyday rhythms of life, all filtered through Longboat’s distinctive songwriting and electronic arrangements.
And what a fine album it is, with highlights aplenty. From the infectious groove of “A Fox in Hoxton” to the atmospheric electronic haze of “Dead Man’s Hand”, Longboat delivers a fascinating blend of Ian Curtis-era Joy Division melancholy and early-eighties-inspired songwriting. Yet these two tracks are merely the beginning. “My Victorian Poltergeist” boasts one of those irresistibly beautiful choruses that seems to melt its way into your consciousness, while “The Dullest Blade” impresses with its inventive production and abundance of delicious electronic details.
For this listener, however, the real standout is “The English Summer Chill”. Its gorgeous melody, coupled with an unpredictable yet thoroughly satisfying chord progression, makes it an absolute joy to listen to. It is the kind of song that reveals something new with every spin.
Admittedly, Proud of My Postcode may not be everyone's cup of tea. But for those of us who grew up with new wave and the sounds of the early eighties, there is an awful lot to love here. It is a compelling addition to Longboat’s ever-evolving catalogue, capturing Britain from a perspective that feels both deeply personal and refreshingly unconventional. More than anything, the album reminds us that sometimes it takes an outsider's eyes to rediscover the magic of a place we think we already know.
Proud of My Postcode is a fabulous record, and one that deserves to be heard.
Listen here: "Proud of My Postcode"
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Review by staff at MBTM
