Blossoms have broken new ground with the release of their fifth album, Gary. Inspired by the theft of a fibreglass gorilla (who has become a figurehead for the new record) the album has a fresh sound with intergalactic, psychedelic undertones.

Produced by the band’s regular collaborator James Skelly of The Coral, alongside Jungle’s Josh Lloyd-Watson, this is a collaborative work and the music shows it was an enjoyable one. At a recent show in Wythenshawe Park, close to their hometown Stockport, Blossoms comfortably outsold the headliners of the night before (New Order) – clearly there is a buzz about this band and Gary lives up to the hype.

There is impressive growth between this release and 2022’s Ribbon around the Bomb. There is more experimentation and risk, as you might expect from an album inspired by a gorilla. The intergalactic riffs in ‘Big Star’ and ‘Nightclub’ are reminiscent of ’70s pop gems, thanks to the playful synths and narrative-style lyrics; each song is a new story, and listeners are fully immersed in the world of Gary.

Groovy, yet nostalgic is the key style throughout, especially on ‘Perfect Me’ and ‘Gary’ which were both released as singles earlier this year. ‘Perfect Me’ is one of the best songs they’ve made, its quick tempo guarantees it as a new indie-rock standard. Lead singer Tom Ogden describes his unattainable perfect self through the melancholic lyrics which are hidden inside the upbeat retro arrangement.

‘Cinnamon’ sees a change in style with a folksy, acoustic song about love and yearning. Odgen’s vulnerable lyricism is the highlight: “I’m blaming cinnamon, could eat you like an edible, they call me cynical / I needed a miracle, you’ve got my mind running wild every day for a while”. The jangly guitars make for a melodic yet introspective track which breaks from the rest of the upbeat album.

The nostalgic soundscapes fuelled by synth sounds and classic riffs mark Gary as a contender for the best of Blossoms so far. It’s inventive, fun and unique; capable of turning a casual listener into a rabid fan, it’s simply a blissful half hour.