Welsh Pop

The School Loveless Unbeliever (Elefant)

There have been many attempts on the part of British artists to emulate the Brill Building sound and craft of ’50s and ’60s American pop. Diverse talents such as Elvis Costello and the Housemartins have built songs and, sometimes, entire albums, in tribute to the long-ago artistry of legends such as Carole King. Now Welsh retro-pop outfit The School has fashioned the best Brill approximation in recent memory with their lovely debut effort. Fans of Belle & Sebastian will adore the paisley sweater-vest aesthetic that runs throughout these 13 horn-and-string-kissed gems. Shoot, Grease freaks will absolutely cream for the sock-hop sweetness of “Is He Really Coming Home?” If you’re not too careful, the nimble piano vamping of “Valentine” will have you snapping your fingers and skipping down the sidewalk, even as singer Liz Hunt’s ingénue-enhanced melody compels you to hum along. ★★★★★