This is the debut release of a band that comprises San Francisco's Leigh Gregory and the Vilpponen brothers (Ville and Jaakko) from Helsinki.
They are influenced by folk and classic rock from late 60s and early 70s so it's no surprise that the guitar solos come with a strong hint of psychedelia. This is particularly obvious on the phasing effects on the instrumental, Years.
In terms of mood, however, the listener is more likely to picture the icy landscapes of Finland than the sun-kissed beaches of California.
It is as if they set out to make a summery record but couldn't quite shake off a wintry mood.
Despite the relative optimism of the lyrics, Gregory's dour, subdued vocals mean that you visualise heavy clouds instead of clear skies.
He sounds like a cross between Edwin Collins and Lou Reed where the latter's infamous pessimism has triumphed.
In this context, the pledges of lifelong devotion on All My Days and By You Side sound more like a singer reflecting on the burden of a relationship instead of celebrating a special bond.
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Dare To Shine is all about breaking out, getting away and starting afresh but even this somehow fails to lift the mood.
The lines "nothing to do, nothing to say, let's just forget about everything" on the opening track The Turning Of The Tide strike a tone of desperation rather than liberation.
It therefore seems appropriate that the cover photo should be of the sea with night time approaching. A gloomy perspective is also evident on the official video for final track Seaside; amid a dark, snowy landscape the camera follows a depressed-looking man who appears to be contemplating suicide.
This ain't no Beach Boys record!
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