My Name Is Ian is a Cardiff-based band who have just hit my radar with their 8th studio album. A collection of energetic and catchy pop, it’s called Go Bananas Go Bananas Go Bananas Go Bananas Go Bananas.

By Graeme Smith

Go Bananas… opens in dreamy, ethereal fashion before warping into the laidback groove of We Are All Alone, Nothing To Fear. There’s a touch of ’90s shoegaze about it, but that’s not quite the perfect description of their genre. It wouldn’t be out of place on a playlist alongside The Stone Roses and Kula Shaker.

Thank You ups the tempo and gets its funk on. It’s home to some delightfully amusing and irreverent lyrics. Atomic Warlords introduces a little electronica to the mix with a relentless groove that demands you move and disguises the darkness of its lyrics. Underachiever Of The Year is light, breezy and self-deprecating before Why is That Adorable Norwegian Family Laughing At Me rounds off the first half of the album with a cantering hip hop-infused highlight.

Acrylic Paint opens the album’s second half with some pacey, wistful, nostalgic indie pop. Sober Or Not oozes with cool thanks to its rich electronic bass. Torn About by Coconut Crabs is delightfully driving and psychedelic. I Wouldn’t Die For You has plinking keys and cynical lyrics. Bury Your Head In The Sand closes the album with a smouldering folk pop number that grows epic with electronic layers. Its lyrics speak of the danger of implicitly trusting the powers that be. It’s another highlight.

Listening to Go Bananas… it’s clear that My Name Is Ian love what they do. There’s a relatable honesty in their lyrics too and they paint a vivid picture of life with its highs and lows. The album’s lasting impression is its catchy melodies and effortless grooves. It’s a joy to listen to and you can do so below.