After a 14-year hiatus,Hardkandyare back with their fourth studio album,Pure Fantasy. Crafted over two years, the album has been something of a labour of love for the main writer and producer,Tim Bidwell, based on the underlying concept: what would I have done back then, if I’d known what I know now?
The album features a host of special guest vocalists and musicians, some of whom Tim was already working with on their own productions at hisClockwork Owl Studiosin Brighton, others were ones he just knew he had to have on the LP. One of those wasMamas GunvocalistAndy Platts, who appears onStronger Stuff, the first single to be lifted from the album, where he delivers a Curtis like performance with typical panache; and the wonky psychedelic soul of the title track, coming off something like classic Lewis Taylor.
Other guest vocals come from up-and-coming singersScarlett Fae,Phoebe Freya,Sarah GoodsonandChris Tye, who provides a somewhat tongue-in-cheek finale to the album withBeginning of the End.
With influences ranging from the classic sounds ofMarvin Gayeto the down-tempo carboot soul ofNightmares on Wax, Hardkandy’s new material takes the listener on a seductive and sonorous journey where harmonious melodies meet hypnotic rhythms. Fans will still recognise the signature cut and paste sound, just reimagined for 2022 with real musicians playing real instruments.