SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE KINGFISHERS – REFLECTIONS IN A SILVER SOUND

The Kingfishers
Reflections In A Silver Sound
Last Night From Glasgow

Reflections In A Silver Sound is the debut album from Scottish band The Kingfishers. It is impressive, but the story behind the album is as well. Where the story gets complicated is that the band started working on it over 40 years ago.  In 1982, Douglas MacIntyre’s lineup started working on . However, after a year, they had disbanded, and the album was not finished.

Never one to give up, MacIntyre returned to the studio last year to finish what he had , joined by David Scott (bass/organ/piano/harpsichord/glockenspiel), Stuart Kidd (drums/backing vocals), Ken McCluskey (harmonica), Amelia Lironi MacIntyre (backing vocals),  and Francis St. Fairlie (trumpet).  The end result is pop music of old from the 1980s with a 2020s sensibility. Beautiful vocals and harmonies are present throughout and although there is a hint of nostalgia, Reflections In A Silver Sound has a more timeless sound. It does not sound dated, although those guitars and basic setup do harken back to the 1960s. It is an absolute joy to listen to from beginning to end.

There are some twists and turns throughout the album, mainly with the lyrics. “I Know You’re Down But I Don’t Really Care” could be a Smiths title, but in MacIntrye’s hands the song becomes a melancholic and yet powerful song, much like “Long Lost Friend”, not so much angry as resolute. The lyrics, being sung in such a beautiful manner makes it all the more interesting.

The album ends with the incredible “Jump Sweet Jesus Jump”, a beautiful song of inspiration and advice. “What are you supposed to do/when time keeps running out on you?” The answer? “Jump, sweet Jesus, jump”. An interesting song. Sadly, one is not sure the advice was taken to heart, but it makes for interesting listening and it is a beautiful way to end the album.

It is a pity that it took this long to be released, as in its day it would have been hailed as a classic, along with albums by Aztec Camera, The Bluebells, or Fiction Factory. However, there is no reason not to consider it as a modern classic. This is top quality music, made with attention, care, and a great deal of emotion.

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