Real Estate - In Mind
Originally hailing from Ridgewood, New Jersey, Real Estate have the look of a bog-standard North American indie band. There are elements of that on this fourth LP but there is more to the band than that. In Mind is a – mostly – charming mix US college-rock and indie, with a woozy, sunny 60s vibe. On the likes of opener Darling, the almost perfect upbeat pop of Stained Glass or the waltz-like After The Moon, this is quite lovely. Unfortunately, the band cannot maintain that high standard. At times, such as Two Arrows and White Light, this is just a little too twee and fey for this old punk. I like In Mind, I like it a lot. Right now, though, I don't love it. As immediate as some of the songs are, though, I suspect this will be a grower. This could well be one of those albums that will stay with me, that I'll dig out in few years' time, greet like an old friend and hail as a classic. We shall see but, for now, this is a damned fine listen.
7/10
