Amanda Applewood - i love boys

Otherwise a member of The Boy Least Likely To, Amanda Applewood's solo album is a wonderful thing, a record of sweet vocals and childish themes. Now childish as used here not as an insult but a virtue, this is a record that brings up a nostalgic gentle childhood of Enid Blyton and endless Summers. A idealised past of ice cream, board games and simple joys and loves.

"I love boys" starts the album off as it will go on, a tidal wave of cuteness washes over you as the song's title is repeated over and over again as a cutie coda. "Pretend (we're in love)" starts off sounding a bit like a 60s TV advert jingle before progressing into one of the nicest pop songs you'll ever hear. Another lovely track is "Rockpools" with its delicate sparse and beautiful melody. This album is a joy, simple as that. You might fear its all a bit whimsical of course and could easily be with these lyrics and themes but it really works.