An inventive yet stylistic extension to their sixth studio album, Fantasies sees Bombay Bicycle Club make a dazzling return. Joining forces with friends and fellow collaborators, the quartet delve into an experimental side of their artistry, while remaining tethered to their roots.
Now over 17 years on from their debut, Bombay Bicycle Club’s multifaceted sound has secured them as nothing short of creative all-rounders. Having previously combined artistic visions with the likes of Chaka Khan, Nilüfer Yanya, and Holly Humberstone, the band’s willingness to embrace the next generation of songwriters, alongside industry veterans, has persisted during their time in the limelight.
Lead single and opener “Fantasneeze” employs a relatively recent connection for the band: Matilda Mann. Suffused with whimsical charm, it channels acoustic sensibilities as Steadman’s tenor voice and Mann’s airy harmonies effortlessly blend together. Stunningly minimalist, it’s their most indie pop-leaning offering to date – and one that directly appeals to their fast-growing young audience. From newer collaborators to long-term friends, “Blindfold” features frequent support act Liz Lawrence. Weaving together an emotionally literate narrative above a sea of angelic instrumental textures, there’s a powerful sense of transparency that builds throughout. What initially begins as a resonant piano melody develops into a dynamic soundscape of layered vocal tones and cascading guitar riffs, thoroughly showcasing the breathtaking collision of musical minds.
After providing backing vocals for the band at numerous points over the last decade, Lucy Rose sits firmly in the front and centre on “Willow”. In many senses an unofficial band member, the collaboration is perhaps not unexpected, but a brilliant one, nonetheless. Between colourful beats and pulsating tones, Rose and Steadman’s blissfully complimentary vocals culminate to create a flawless focal point amongst intricate arrangements. Rounding off the ambient body of work is “Better Now” with Rae Morris. Intertwining the talents of yet another band regular, the track feels as much a bold entrance into a new chapter for Bombay as it is an ode to the friendships formed over the course of their career. Reined by themes of growth and redemption, brash horns and a prominent, reverberating bassline form an effervescent backdrop to the four-minute behemoth.
Whether it be through recently developed or longstanding creative relationships, Fantasies continues to prove Bombay Bicycle Club as genre-blending masters with a lyrical eye for all of life’s moments, regardless of how big or small they may be.
