Jaguar by The Sweetest Ache

The Sweetest Ache's first two releases on Sarah Records had been a pair of 7"s, If I Could Shine and Tell Me How It Feels, recorded through the night at Von's studio in Islington. For their first long-player, they relocated to the White House in Weston-super-Mare, run by engineer/producer Martin Nichols, who'd already worked with label-mates Brighter and Blueboy. Under his direction, the sound became sharper and more focussed, guitars jangling brightly under Simon's warm vocals – or those of guest vocalist Louise on haunting opener Briaris. She Believes is heart-breakingly gorgeous, the song slowly building, Simon's voice cracking with emotion, while the chorus of title track Jaguar punches home each drum beat ("I never meant to push too hard but these things kill me...").

The Sweetest Ache were a six-piece band from Swansea featuring Simon Court (vocals), Stuart Vincent (guitar), David Walters (bass), Geraint Morris (drums), Peter Stone (guitar) and Ian Saberton (keyboards). They recorded three singles and a mini-album for Sarah Records. After Sarah ended, a second album, Grass Roots, was released on Vinyl Japan.