Gaz Coombes – Turn The Car Around

They say good things come in threes and this certainly rings true for the new record from Gaz Coombes. ‘Turn The Car Around’ is the final instalment in Coombes’ trilogy which includes 2015’s ‘Matador’ and 2018’s ‘World’s Strongest Man’. What also can be said is that the former Supergrass frontman has saved the best to last. 

Whilst you can still hear traces of his Supergrass roots sonically on this, his fourth solo album, this is a polished, grown up incarnation taking flashes of inspiration from both the aforementioned band and his previous solo endeavours. However, ‘Turn The Car Around’ is so much more, it’s almost odyssey-like, thanks to its endearing soul searching and passionate approach.

‘Long Live The Strange’ is anthemic, rousing and unexpectedly moving, focusing on the themes of diversity and acceptance with lyrics that implore ‘Long live the strange…So, don’t ever change’. 

This and the other eight tracks are a reflection on modern life and the experiences and struggles that ensue. ‘Don’t Say It’s Over’ is a glorious love letter that pays tribute to his wife with the beautiful line ‘You call your ships and you turn the tides’ is almost Bowie-esque with its cosmic, almost other-wordly vibe. 

The space train doesn’t stop there, and ‘Feel Loop (Lizard Dream)’ with its intoxicating guitars and sultry basslines, are one of the album’s standout tracks. It’s a smidge more experimental than other tracks, but it’s one you can’t stop listening to. 

Each track is a triumph and have been impeccably produced with impressively executed melodic layering that feel almost cinematically textured. ‘Sonny The Strong’ is a haunting, gripping affair that tells the story of a boxer fighting his own demons. Rich in texture, this is a breathtaking combination of emotional pianos, slow-building guitars, emotional lyrics fused with a mysterious lo-fi beat.

Gas Coombes is a gifted songwriter and ‘Turn The Car Around’ feels like the album he has been hankering to make. It’s a fearless, intricately crafted and sonically expansive body of work that effortlessly showcases why he’s one of the UK’s most talented songwriters.

8/10

Words: Emma Harrison