Peppering subtle philosophical insights, midnight ponderings, and fond memories alongside layers of dreamy synths and smooth saxophone, Heart of Gold's Michael McGough is bringing a refreshing personal spin to pop music.As many a listener can attest, it's no secret that the genre in which the Manchester-based outfit resides has always embraced tales of love and heartbreak. Yet, while these themes are indeed tastefully sprinkled throughout McGough's latest work, his debut record is less about finding "the one," and more about finding oneself in the swirling ups and downs of life's winding roads. It may seem odd at first to call this a coming-of-age story for an artist who's seen outpourings of success both on his own as well as with popular post-hardcore group, Being As An Ocean. However, his new album Beautiful Dangerous is a rebirth of sorts for the singer-songwriter.Serving as an aural time capsule for stories new and old, the album is a testament to McGough's lived experiences, drawing inspiration from a set of notebooks spanning the past ten years, and memories that date back even further to his childhood in a small English village. But time was not the only plane Heart of Gold traversed in the creative process. Traveling to tap the talents of friend, producer, and studio owner, Phil Gornell, McGough routinely left his San Diego home around sunrise and made the five-to-six-hour drive to a small studio not too far from Burbank, Los Angeles. After several weeks, and with vocals and guitar completed, he and the music made their way back to Gronell's iconic Steel City Studios in Sheffield. It was here in England that drums and percussion were tracked, engineered, and sent to Gornell in LA before circling back to Manchester for mastering. Distance was even bridged virtually as the team collaborated with Black Peaks' Will Gardner over Zoom to add an extra dash of glittering artistry and the bright brassy flair of a saxophone solo or two. Serving as a touchstone for the album as a whole, McGough's constant commute and the resulting miles of worldly reflection are reminders to appreciate all the highs, lows, excitement, and adventure life throws one's way. The metaphor has infused itself deep into the very bones of Beautiful Dangerous, and the album whisks listeners away to a nostalgic sunset trip down memory lane, immersed in vibrant melodies as soft neon lights glow in the rear view. An exploration of self, nestled within the verses and foot-tapping beats of pop music. Heart of Gold in a nutshell. Coke bottle green vinyl
