Back To The Swamp, Bas Jan’s new album, is a polished and poignant collection of perfectly-crafted pop songs that retains their authentic indie edginess. It’s also an album filled with intriguing stories. After the glorious anarchic headrush of ‘Baby U Know’ in all its “messy majesty”, Back To The Swamp is a coming-of-age record; a heady tussle between their incorrigible DIY ethics and new responsibilities. The swamp is an analogy for smudged beginnings and simpler times. These new studio recordings feature more accomplished pop production; they’re more direct and filled with cerebral one-liners that pluck at the senses. And, there’s a nod to an eclectic mix of influences; The Pet Shop Boys, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Kate Bush, Heaven 17 and Jon Hassell by way of Brian Eno; it’s an eclectic dinner party. Kristian Craig Robinson and Leo Abrahams bring their unique and complementary sonic richness as co-producers allowing Serafina Steer, Charlotte Stock, Emma Smith and Rachel Horwood to create something of a shape-shifter as opening track ‘At The Counter’ identifies; it’s filled with hope for the “best life” lived, from the bedroom to the pet shop. It’s a quizzical narrative, raising a question about self-belief; while journeying towards a four-to-the-floor triumph over self-doubt. ‘Back To The Swamp’ is filled with thought-provoking stories. Witches, Tarot readings, road signs, Salt-N-Pepa namechecks and a river all cried out, welcome to the swamp…