Magical mystery to magic... Under the auspices of the half-moon… …we were recently returned from a magical mysterious excursion through the misty Isle of Avalon. Being as we were, in possession of a newly acquired clarity and contentment never before experienced. And, as luck and or serendipity would have it, another magical adventure was just beginning to conclude its opening chapter… For tonight’s experiment, the time dial was set to the heart of the 1980s for a little light entertainment… just then a mosquito flew in to the delicate machinery of the ST90 and tripped a circuit, triggering a malfunction which caused time and reality to splinter whilst creating a trans-dimensional overlap. These phenomena had the net effect of merging different timelines creating a new reality, which would all too soon appear as just normal - having replaced the old reality and as the memory of these events fade… …what? Precisely…
Suddenly we were in London’s West End in April of the year 2017.
Having not done so for a decade or two I popped in to the Borderline to see what was occurring…
Which was a stroke of luck as Lover were here for the launch of their new album Human Geography.
And jolly good it is too! Having been given a preview of this finely crafted jewel, the opportunity and desire presented itself with increasing frequency over the preceding week to hear it more…
A well-produced slice of modern pop/rock/electronica could possibly go some way towards describing this platter.
We’re probably all familiar with the Human urge to categorise things. A base psychological need to compare what we are experiencing now with what has gone before. In the case of Lover, I’ve recently heard such comparisons as Hazel O’Connor, Toyah, Blondie to name a few and to be fair I can see where they’re coming from. (To add a few to the mix myself, I can hear elements of 80’s synth pop going on in what is essentially a pop/rock band format (a feat in itself). With at times nods to Johnny Marr on Guitar etc Etc EiTC…)
But all of this is just a perception. To be specific, how I perceive what I experience with Lover. But all nods and comparisons aside, what Lover offer is a well presented modern slice of poppy rocky goodness, all art is inspired. And Lover’s art is inspirational and deserving of a listen.
Returning to clarity, it is here – with Vocals guitars and drums all present and polished while the synths and samples add layers of rich textures.
And, I hear you ask, how does this translate into the live environment?
Impressively well!
There is more of an edge in the live environment, as one would expect but it is true to the recordings at the same time.
Singer Sarah delivers the vocals with style and serenity. While she explores and experiments with the delivery and performance of the songs adding an extra something not captured in the recorded version. A striking and cool character indeed! Commanding the attention of the audience with her vocal talent, stage presence and innate photogenicity.
Drummer Jamie is on beat giving a head down no nonsense display of drum finery, drawing all the elements of the band to a unified whole. While Bassist Casper provides the low down with style and finesse.
Keyboardist Florence provides the afore-mentioned layers of electronic textures which emanate forth with a depth and range seemingly beyond that of the recorded medium. Guitarist James is another cool customer delivering the chops and more with apparent ease.
In short, they nailed it!
It was ear-worms a go go in there last night as the loop in my brain keeps reminding me – Fallen Famous, Somebody Somewhere, White Bears, Weekend Caligula, Self Destruct to name a few.
And judging by the enthusiastic response from a healthy turnout of friendly faces and enthusiasts, people are using their ears.
Use yours.
Pick up a copy of the album released this Friday.
Or catch them live.
Better still do both!
Over…
Words and Images: EiTC.
Extra:
I would have to concur with all of the above. An amazing set by a great new band.
Indeed! – cheers 🙂