Album Review: Co-Pilgrim - A Fairer Sea

The latest album from these alt.country/indie/folksy rockers is so gentle, soft, dreamy and all those other cuddly adjectives it feels like a sleepwalk come to life. Steered by former Black Nielson frontman, Mike Gale, absorbing the album is akin to taking a stroll though some musical Elysian field, smothering you in its celestial cheerfulness.

22 strikes the opening bell, beginning the harmonic journey with the tap-tap-tapping of the glockenspiel dancing delicately against the perfect harmonies of Gale and Claire Bennett.

The gear changes ever-so-slightly, with the enchanting title track taking notes from eastmountainsouth and a stripped-down Lindsey Buckingham (post-Fleetwood), Gale's breathless voice peaceful and shimmering. The California Dreaming-esque instruction of I'm Going To The Country sees Gale dive head-first into a '60s-inspired sunkissed love fest, evoking The Mamas & The Papas (obviously), The Byrds and The Beach Boys.

Co-Pilgrim keep the fuzzy, warm feeling in Come On Come On, before the almost acoustic No Man Or Mountain floods your ears. Perfect, whispered harmonies and lightly plucked guitars envelop you like some kind of dream.

Rarely are albums able to keep you transfixed from cover to cover, most of us zoning in and out throughout, but Co-Pilgrim have managed to create one that will draw you in and wrap you up in its universe. Is it too early to start a best of 2013 list? It's not? Good. Slam this album right in there.