Gregory Robson
08/14/09, 05:58 AM
The Love Language - The Love Language
Record Label: Bladen County Records
Release Date: May 26, 2009
The Love Language are a North Carolina septet that possess a potent mix of quirky, infectious charisma and a firm affinity for soaring, memorable melodies. Spearheaded by vocalist, producer, recorder, mixer and principal songwriter Stuart McLamb, the self-titled debut album is nine wholly individual pop anthems that range from supple balladry to coasting guitar rock. Stuffed in between is a mix of indie-rock, country, sock-hop era affability, and a bevy of pop smarts. Some songs are fuzzy and distorted while others are moody and stark. Backed by snappy tambourines, layers of keys and organ, and jangly guitars, the Love Language is an astonishing debut that has an undeniable penchant for pop prettiness. While the focus of the entire album is a bad breakup and the drunken nights that follow, it is for all intents and purposes about the pangs of being lonely.
Opener "Two Rabbits," is cinematic and towering featuring tremendous vocal range from McLamb. If openers are supposed to make a strong impression, then "Two Rabbits," most certainly passes the test. Second track "Lalita" comes out strutting with a playful guitar lick, megaphone vocals and bounds its way into a slap-happy, cheery sentiment. "Stars" features a group singalong that carries a campfire vibe, while also channeling the heyday of CSNY. The plucky "Nocturne," features distant vocals, chiming guitars and a raw charm, while the bouncy "Sparxxxxx," is scruffy and vintage and boasts a breezy, can't miss chorus.The gospel-flavored "Manteo" begins as a tame and under-stated composition before forging ahead at the one-minute-mark with a string of soulful verses and a tinkling piano before yielding to a rousing organ outro. Penultimate track "Providence" follows and it boasts a bouncy piano and seems destined for wide-ranging commercial appeal. The disc ends with the nocturnal lullaby "Graycourt," which borrows heavily from Brit stalwarts Keane and moves along in a forlorn and melancholic state before yielding to the triumphant chorus.
From start to finish, every song on The Love Language is a winner. Moreover, every arrangement is intricate, layered and damn near perfect. This is the consummate summer record and is a shining example of what music should do when its done right. In just 29 simple minutes, McLamb and company push the creative envelope while never forsaking the ability to be catchy, head-turning and melodic. This is what music should be. This is the sound of something special blossoming before our eyes.
1. Two Rabbits
2. Lalita
3. Stars
4. Nocturne
5. Sparxxxxxx
6. Nightdogs
7. Manteo
8. Providence
9. Graycourt
Stuart McLamb (electric guitar, lead vocals)
Jordan McLamb (acoustic guitar, percussion, vocals)
Missy Thangs (keyboard, vocals)
Joshua Pope (bass)
Kate Thompson (organ)
Thomas Simpson (drum kit)
Jeff "Junis" Beefmonth (electric guitar, vocals)
Times New Viking, Arcade Fire, Big Star, Guided by Voices, Phil Spector, Animal Collective
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thelovelanguage)
Website (http://bladencountyrecords.com/index.php/the-love-language/)
Record Label: Bladen County Records
Release Date: May 26, 2009
The Love Language are a North Carolina septet that possess a potent mix of quirky, infectious charisma and a firm affinity for soaring, memorable melodies. Spearheaded by vocalist, producer, recorder, mixer and principal songwriter Stuart McLamb, the self-titled debut album is nine wholly individual pop anthems that range from supple balladry to coasting guitar rock. Stuffed in between is a mix of indie-rock, country, sock-hop era affability, and a bevy of pop smarts. Some songs are fuzzy and distorted while others are moody and stark. Backed by snappy tambourines, layers of keys and organ, and jangly guitars, the Love Language is an astonishing debut that has an undeniable penchant for pop prettiness. While the focus of the entire album is a bad breakup and the drunken nights that follow, it is for all intents and purposes about the pangs of being lonely.
Opener "Two Rabbits," is cinematic and towering featuring tremendous vocal range from McLamb. If openers are supposed to make a strong impression, then "Two Rabbits," most certainly passes the test. Second track "Lalita" comes out strutting with a playful guitar lick, megaphone vocals and bounds its way into a slap-happy, cheery sentiment. "Stars" features a group singalong that carries a campfire vibe, while also channeling the heyday of CSNY. The plucky "Nocturne," features distant vocals, chiming guitars and a raw charm, while the bouncy "Sparxxxxx," is scruffy and vintage and boasts a breezy, can't miss chorus.The gospel-flavored "Manteo" begins as a tame and under-stated composition before forging ahead at the one-minute-mark with a string of soulful verses and a tinkling piano before yielding to a rousing organ outro. Penultimate track "Providence" follows and it boasts a bouncy piano and seems destined for wide-ranging commercial appeal. The disc ends with the nocturnal lullaby "Graycourt," which borrows heavily from Brit stalwarts Keane and moves along in a forlorn and melancholic state before yielding to the triumphant chorus.
From start to finish, every song on The Love Language is a winner. Moreover, every arrangement is intricate, layered and damn near perfect. This is the consummate summer record and is a shining example of what music should do when its done right. In just 29 simple minutes, McLamb and company push the creative envelope while never forsaking the ability to be catchy, head-turning and melodic. This is what music should be. This is the sound of something special blossoming before our eyes.
1. Two Rabbits
2. Lalita
3. Stars
4. Nocturne
5. Sparxxxxxx
6. Nightdogs
7. Manteo
8. Providence
9. Graycourt
Stuart McLamb (electric guitar, lead vocals)
Jordan McLamb (acoustic guitar, percussion, vocals)
Missy Thangs (keyboard, vocals)
Joshua Pope (bass)
Kate Thompson (organ)
Thomas Simpson (drum kit)
Jeff "Junis" Beefmonth (electric guitar, vocals)
Times New Viking, Arcade Fire, Big Star, Guided by Voices, Phil Spector, Animal Collective
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thelovelanguage)
Website (http://bladencountyrecords.com/index.php/the-love-language/)