The Clientele - Bonfires on the Heath (2009) [Merge] // Grade: B+

It is rumored that The Clientele’s newest, Bonfires on the Heath, will also be their grand finale. I sincerely hope this isn’t true. Each release from the British dream pop quartet grows a bit stronger and Bonfires on the Heath, more than any of the band’s previous five albums, suggests immense potential.

Bonfires on the Heath does an incredible job of mimicking the sounds of the late 1960s. Hints of The Byrds, The Beatles and Pink Floyd mix with some obvious modern likenesses to both Pulp and Belle & Sebastian. Bonfires on the Heath may be The Clientele’s most lively release, but it’s still far from pop, retaining that dreamy, drowsy ambling pace that fans have come to love. In The Clientele’s attempt to expand their repertoire, Bonfires on the Heath suffers from an inconsistent flow. That said, it really doesn’t bug me and I’m willing to accept a few jagged transitions as trade-off for the album’s many bright spots.

Truthfully, this release took me at least three listens to decide I liked, which I blame entirely on the epic kick-off track, “I Wonder Who We Are”. Bonfires on the Heath‘s brightest star, “I Wonder Who We Are” features an addictive, “bah-bah-bah” chorus and poppy horn section. Put it on repeat and enjoy it in excess because it is easily the most upbeat track you will ever get out of The Clientele. True to the earlier mention of jagged transitions, the next track in line, the album’s title track, couldn’t be at more of a disconnect, a drawn-out, sleepy ballad that leans towards boring when nestled against the album’s buoyant start. These disconnects continue throughout the remainder of Bonfires on the Heath, but with standouts like the dancey “Share The Night”, the dreamy and inquisitive “Jennifer and Julia” and the breathy closer, “Walking In The Park”, you tend to forgive the imperfections and appreciate The Clientele’s embrace of a more expansive sound.

Bonfires on the Heath is not so much of a new direction for The Clientele as it is the logical amplification of their previous releases. The sound is rich, but the transitions lacking. The Clientele are onto something here, but amidst rumors that this will be their final album, the potential heard on Bonfires on the Heath may sadly never be fully realized.