Album Review: Shiny Joe Ryan - The Cosmic Microwave Background

And now it's Pond's Shiny Joe Ryan who is going solo, making traditional psych fare in this laidback debut. It's still his danceable single Whatever Happened To The Space Race? that is the most fun, starting up a record that roams between genres and sonic textures. Unfortunately Ryan's vocals are weak throughout but this is made up for amply by wailing guitar lines and experiments in instrumentation. Standout Hold On For The Ride uses distant vocals, intricate sitar solos and plenty of organ to make for a '60s/'70s time warp experience.