Still in Australia, but this time in Sydney, we move to a much more mellow affair with the four piece that are Lord Esme. The foundations are built around excellent 80s Indie Pop, the type that you might expect to find on Darrin's excellent Subjangle label.
Sally Williamson's vocals are exquisite and stand up more than favourably with the better female led bands of that decade. Arrangements are melodic and gentle and held together by a Rhythm Section that know exactly what they are doing.
At times, you are reminded of The Beths and a less electronic Saint Etienne, but Williamson instrumentally adds multi dimensions. She plays Sax and Succulent City reveals this splendidly. Guitarist Ben Briedis takes on vocals on a wonderfully moody, almost Folk affair.
Williamson's keyboard playing also takes the quartet in different directions. Number In My Pocket has a spiffing Telstar like 60s Organ Run. Alison Rhodes, a killer single if ever there was one, becomes a jaunty 60s-ish altogether now joy on the chorus.
Lots Of Money is built around a shuffle that becomes Lounge at times. Briedis again takes the vocal with pure Folk this time, almost Canterbury, a little Peaky Blinders at times. and underlines how melodic the saxophone can be when players are not trying to blow your head off.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
...........
No comments:
Post a Comment