Like The First Time. The Bablers

The Bablers were introduced to this blog through the singles' section a few weeks ago. I wrote on the single presented there: "Judging by 'Where The Wind Blows' it could be an album that combines Paul McCartney style The Beatles ballads with The Connells' '74-75'". And I've found that goes for most of Like The First Time.

Let me own up and write that I'm totally strapped for time, but do not want you to miss out on this fine album. This review is going to be short but nice. The Bablers are from Finland and have been around since the late 70s when the members started to play music together as teenager, leading to the band's debut album 'What's All About'. The band returned in 2022 with a new line up, singer-songwriter and guitarist Arto Tamminen, drummer Janne Haavisto, bassist Pekka Gröhn and guitarist Hannu Pikkarainen, with the album 'Psychedelic Circus'.

Oddly enough, this new album is not new. It was released only in Japan in 1998 and now, thanks to Big Stir Records has a global release for the first time. The album from the get go reminded me of 'Catch All' an album from the year 2000 by a collaboration band of friends called Swag. And now I find Like The First Time was released two years before 'Catch All'.

In short, if you like The Beatles, as band and solo, The Travelling Willburies, ELO, Tom Petty, Like The First Time is an album to check out. It is filled to the brim with songs that instantly please. Don't expect a big spectacle, antics or shenanigans, The Bablers present true songs and nothing else. Yes, that includes a rocking song like 'Thinking Of You'. Like The First Time contains songs to listen to and enjoy from second one to the very last. My advice? Give it a try, folks.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght