I know almost nothing about Boy Omega, despite the fact that my 'Hope on the Horizon' CD came with two copies of the inlay booklet. However, it seems clear that Glitterhouse - a German label whose ability to pick out good quality Americana has not gone unnoticed in the past - have unearthed a real gem.

One thing I can confirm is that the band have been inspired by Elliott Smith and Bright Eyes. I haven’t read this anywhere, but the band’s music makes this fact shamelessly obvious. The songs here sound in turn exactly like one of these two artists.

You would assume that such brazenness would result in embarrassing returns. And yet, no. These songs have almost universally depressing themes, but they have all cheered me up. If they had been written by Elliott or Conor they would have been among their best work.

Our hero, one Martin Henrik Gustaffson, is well supported by an extended cast of backing musicians and accompanists, and the album is bursting with lovely sweeping string arrangements and the odd dash of sax and trombone. These are great songs, melodic and memorable, and it is obvious why I like them -it is because they sound like two of my absolute favourite artists.



Track Listing