Once upon a time five Dubliners dreamt of California (or rather the California sound, mid-60s to mid-70s). They practiced for two years, called themselves The Thrills and then their dream came true in the form of a four-month holiday in a San Diego-beach hut.
Back in Ireland, they turned West-Coast vibes into their debut album So Much for the City, part California sunshine, part country rock and part Beach Boys. Also part Phil Spector, Morrissey and The Smiths. The whole result is almost greater than the parts. These guys are good, so good that Moz asked The Thrills open his gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London in September 2002.
More than a year later, the band followed up with Let’s Bottle Bohemia, filled with shiny, catchy pop tracks, and plenty of that Californian feelin’ in the beat of each of the ten songs.
Whether this particular sound thrills you or not, is beside the point. Let’s Bottle Bohemia is a fun 35-minute trip to the sunny West-Coast beaches. Enjoy the ride!
EMI

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
September 2005 issue