“Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys” by The Smashing Times is here to ignite a Merseybeat revival with a fresh twist. Are they your new MOD heartthrobs? Quite possibly. If you’ve worn out your copy of The Blow-Up in the solitude of your room, it’s time to step out, breathe the crisp air, and dive into the world of jangly, melodic bliss that is The Smashing Times.
A staple in the indie pop underground, this Baltimore outfit perfects the art of capturing our new, sharper world, seamlessly blending it with the nostalgic glow of 12-string guitar riffs and the grounding thump of floor toms. Today, they share the video for “June Rabbit” off their fifth album, Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys, just released on K Records / Perennial. This track is a kaleidoscope of sound, drawing in talents like Thee Jasmine Monk and Zelda-Anais (known for their work in The Smashing Times and Midden Heap), alongside underground stalwarts Britta Leijonflycht, Paul Krolian, and Blake Douglas.
Recorded at Druid House, written by Jaz, produced by Hayes Waring and Thee Jasmine Monk, mixed by the one-and-only Capt. Tripps Ballsington, and mastered by Amy Dragon, the album unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of psychedelic, twee, and freakbeat that makes you feel like you’ve unearthed a relic of pure pop magic.
The Smashing Times’ sound harks back to the Television Personalities and the cult genius of Dan Treacy, but it’s far more than homage. Their second album sparkles with shimmering guitars, effortless vocals, and a rhythm section that drives each song with energy that lingers long after the final chord. Every track offers hooks that sink in immediately and deepen with every listen. Had it been born in the ’80s, it would’ve found a home on Whaam! or Dreamworld Records—but here we are in 2023, with K Records bringing it to life for today’s indie pop devotees.
In a word? Great. Really.
