CD: DIRTY15CD
RELEASE DATE: 1997
LABEL: Dirt

1. Sun Just Shines
2. In A Car
3. Feel So Real
4. Merry Go Round
5. Sunday Morning
6. So Glad
7. Give Me More
8. If She Stays
9. Waiting

Not that you'd guess from the enigmatic cover art, but Supernaut marks the return not only of ex-Into Paradise frontman David Long, but also Shane O'Neil of Blue in Heaven. Signed to Island Records in the mid-80s Blue in Heaven released two albums, the second of which, Explicit Material, is well worth tracking down. Into Paradise meanwhile were responsible for a string of excellent records both on Setanta and Ensign, as well as benefitting from the production skills of a certain Adrian Borland. Having faded from view some years ago it's a pleasure indeed to come across Supernaut and to find Long and O'Neil sounding totally energised and producing some of the best music of their careers. Free from any major label pressures or interference, there is a palpable sense of liberation running through these songs. From the soaring opener Sun Just Shines onwards, with shades of the Beach Boys in it's bass and piano textures, there are gems a-plenty here. In a Car is a majestic, widescreen beauty, while Merry Go Round echoes the heart-tugging Into Paradise sound but steers clear of merely revisiting old haunts, elsewhere Shane O'Neil provides spectral harmonies on If She Stays, while throughout David Long sounds as emotionally compelling as ever. After such a welcome return we can only hope there's more to come ...