So as the title says on the tin, two tracks from Clare, South Australia. As it’s the hometown of Caleb Carr (English Summers/The Guild/Arts and Letters) I wonder if he is involved in any way, shape or form? I am aware that’s a bit like me asking someone from Stockholm if they know Sven because he is from Sweden but given Wikipedia states the population of Clare is around the 3.2k mark it could be so eh?

Why do I ask? Well, both the acts here show remarkable similarities, especially with English Summer. It could be a coincidence, or if I am wrong (which is more than likely!) it could be that Clare is stuck in a burgeoning 1980s retro sounding twilight zone. If so, I am emigrating pronto.

The Boltons sound like the epitome of C86 and Creation Records on Don’t Leave. There are some lovely sounds weaving through the jangling guitar accompanying the tale of a make believe love. Or is it a dream? Either way, it’s rather good, right down to the retro artwork.

There is less of a 80s aesthetic on Isle by Foulness Island, but it is packed full of the miserabilism found from that decade. But, unlike the awful Thatcher years that inspired lyrics summing up the desperation that many felt at the time, the song does hint at brighter things through the gloom. This is thanks to the sorrowful vocals, the slow paced jangling guitar and those despairing, but yet hopeful words.

And if you are wondering about that artist name. Foulness Island is a closed Island in Essex, England.

EDIT: There is a link. Foulness Island is Joel Carr, who also happens to be in The Boltons.