The Smashing Times: Mrs. Ladyships And The Cleanerhouse Boys [Album Review]

The Smashing Times
Mrs. Ladyships And The Cleanerhouse Boys
K Records / Perennial [2024]

“With retro flair and DIY charm, Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys is a timeless trip through indie-pop finesse.”

Album Overview: Hailing from Baltimore, The Smashing Times have built a dedicated following in the indie-pop underground. Known for creating nostalgic yet forward-thinking records, the band has become a staple on the K Records and Perennial label rosters, blending influences from both British and American underground scenes. Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys marks The Smashing Times’ fifth album and showcases a meticulous mix of ’60s-inspired psychedelia, modern indie sensibilities, and an unabashed love for jangly guitars and rhythmic experimentation. Created at Druid House with Jaz leading the writing and recording, the album benefits from the unique talents of guest artists like Britta Leijonflycht and Blake Douglas (Corduroy). It’s a record that feels both deeply referential and refreshingly original, balancing homage with reinvention. Like their previous work, the band’s DIY attitude and collaborative spirit make Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys another standout addition to their catalog.

Musical Style: The album pulses with a Mod-inspired energy, mixing lush indie-pop with experimental twists. Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys maintains a cohesive sound through tight rhythms, layered guitars, and rich vocal harmonies. Elements of psych-folk, freakbeat, and jangly pop all come together, blending bright, rhythmic elements that honor classic British pop while embracing a fresh, eclectic sensibility.

Evolution of Sound: While earlier records leaned toward a straightforward indie-pop sound, this album shows The Smashing Times maturing, incorporating more psychedelic touches and textured instrumentation. With each release, the band has expanded its use of experimental recording techniques and diverse instrumentation, allowing their songs to explore deeper moods and more intricate rhythms. This album pushes those boundaries further than anything they’ve released to date.

Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys might also enjoy the atmospheric folk of Pentangle, the guitar-driven pop of The Pastels, and the quirky, lo-fi charm of Cleaners from Venus and The Olivia Tremor Control. The Smashing Times evoke the Britpop stylings of The Jam while channeling the wry and imaginative energy of Television Personalities.

Pivotal Tracks: The title track, “Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys,” opens the album and embodies its character, with jangly guitars and collaborative vocals that give the track a vibrant yet bittersweet feel. “Rupert Tingle” combines crisp rhythms with wistful, hum-along vocals and swirling guitar textures, making it one of the album’s highlights. “I Paint The Pictures” adds samples at the beginning and end, with richer tones and an upbeat, toe-tapping center. The closing track, “Saturn And Janus,” brings it all home with poppy indie guitars, layered vocals, and a mid-tempo groove that’ll make you want to hit replay.

Lyrical Strength: Throughout Mrs. Ladyships and the Cleanerhouse Boys, the lyrics offer a thoughtful exploration of modern life, weaving in abstract references and vivid imagery. With a poetic, sometimes humorous edge, the lyrics add both playful and contemplative layers, drawing listeners deeper into the album’s world.

THE SMASHING TIMES LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | K Records | Perennial

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Thomas Wilde

Thomas has a wide range of musical tastes as the NYC scene consistently broadens his pallet. Thomas is enjoying the opportunity to write at TFN and in his spare time is always looking for limited pressings of vinyl to add to his ever growing collection.