Cinerama - The Peel Sessions

Pretty as a pictures

The initial disbanding of The Wedding Present in 1997 may have been a grave loss for the more discerning mardy indie fan, but for former frontman David Gedge it gave rise to endless possibilities in exploring delicious indie pop with a smidgen of sunshine-y rhythms and melodies. Gedge’s deadpan wit acted as the perfect accompaniment to Cinerama’s soundtrack-esque musical arrangements, which had (and still have) the ability to conjure up everyday woes of relationships, love, lust and infidelity – and all under the umbrella of toe-tapping pop ditties.

Having recorded up to 10 sessions for John Peel, the end result is this: a three-disc set featuring no less than 36 tracks, and not one of them is a disappointment. From the whimsical romanticism of Your Charms and Comedienne, to the slightly unhinged Honey Rider, Cinerama covers all emotionally tumultuous ground. There’s also the odd surprise to be had for the hardcore fan. A cover of teen duo tATu’s All The Things She Said is heart-achingly poignant, and that of Spiller’s Groovejet is hauntingly resplendent.

Some might dismiss Cinerama as twee indie chancers, but this collection of songs exemplifies that Gedge and co deserve far more recognition and praise than they’re granted.

Sanctuary | CMXBX 1526 (3-CD)

Reviewed by Ash Dosanjh
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