“once you realise that he’s not quite as James Bluntish as you might at first fear, then you’ll suddenly realise there’s a lot to like here.”
“once you realise that he’s not quite as James Bluntish as you might at first fear, then you’ll suddenly realise there’s a lot to like here.”
There’s something strange about seeing a grown man cry. I’m not talking about those idiots you see bawling their eyes out on Saturday evening television talent shows – they should all be shot! – no, I’m talking about your average, everyday, run of the mill, ho-hum beardy fellow. The kind of guy whose closest personal friends are the fridge and a packet of cigarettes. The type of fellas you see in American road movies wearing overalls and covered in grease. Ever seen one of those guys crying? It looks weird doesn’t it. It’s like seeing your Dad cry, which instantly makes you feel about five years old and completely vulnerable. Well, if you don’t know what I’m talking about, give this a listen. It may have the same effect. Especially if you’re a Lambchop fan.
I love Lambchop. Musically, they make my heart soar but Kurt Wagner always sounds like he’s about to jump off a bridge at any moment and that’s what makes them such a special band for me. There’s always the feeling that there’s something not quite right in the world with Lambchop. The Yarrows mine much of the same elegiac, haunting musical ground as Lambchop – this is very alt. country – but here singer Pierce Backes always sounds like he’s going to bawl his eyes out at any moment. It takes some getting used to, it must be said, but once you realise that he’s not quite as James Bluntish as you might at first fear, then you’ll suddenly realise there’s a lot to like here. In fact, there’s quite a bit you may well fall head over heels in love with. Personally, I’ve fallen completely and utterly for Nobody Knows You’re Gone, which sees Pierce and his (I’m assuming it’s his) brother Matt trade off some wonderful vocals and when the drummer starts to crash things to pieces after a couple of minutes, well, it’s just enough to break my heart. It’s easily the best thing I’ve heard all year. Ok, so we’re only a few months in, but that doesn’t make it anything less than stellar.
If you want music to move you, then Plum would make a fine choice. If it doesn’t make you cry then it may at least melt that cold centred heart of yours, if only just a little. This is one hell of a debut. Well done lads, well done indeed. I only hope we get to hear a lot more from you.
Words: Damian Leslie