Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Photo EP by The Darlings


Photo EP cover art

Artist: The Darlings
Title: Photo EP
Catalogue Number: Wee Pop! 009
Review Format: CD
Release Year: 2007



Musing on life is a bit of an occupational hazard for the reviewer. You hear a song and it brings back a memory of something or other. Some vague recollection of better times or of a long lost love. The lyrics might be relevant and they might not be. It is just a feeling, after all. Bluesbunny ramblings now over, to the review (and hopefully the relevance of the above).

"Anything You Want" is an entrancing song from The Darlings. Like that Pied Piper chap did with the rats, we would follow this one all the way out of the city. Elizabeth Darling's vocals have that quality that causes dreams of walking hand in hand through the corn fields. None of that sordid stuff that the Bluesbunny usually thinks about either. This one is sweeter than honey

Following on is something rather different in tone. "Emily" is a girl hates girl because she stole her man song. A common theme in country music but not in the indie pop arena. Throw in a French horn solo courtesy of Tom Allard and you have a quirky sonic concoction indeed.

The last track on the EP is "You Shook Me All Night Long". Confusion clouded the Bluesbunny brain (it ain't big but it is stupid) but isn't that an AC/DC song. Yes, it is but this version is on the other side of the planet from the original. To tell the truth, Bluesbunny is not quite sure what to make of this one - is it an affectionate tribute or one almighty piss take? It doesn't really matter as it works just fine.

In conclusion, this is another charming and beautifully packaged release from Wee Pop Records. As for the relevance of the opening paragraph of this review, Bluesbunny once knew a girl who serenaded him with a ukulele. Mind you, the Bluesbunny also knew a stripper who fractured his skull with the same ukulele. Life is truly like a bowl of cherries. Only we don't eat fruit anymore.


www.myspace.com/thedarlingslondon
Reviewer:
Review Date: January 27 2008