Francolin
I first thought the vocals sounded slightly affected but was relieved to discover that vocalist Staffan Guinane was actually Swedish born so my Jens Lekman comparisons aren’t unfounded or imagined even though I haven’t even made them yet. But you know who the vocals do remind me of? Jens Lekman. Good guess. It also makes me think Stornaway in that it boasts that clipped stacatto charm that those Brits do so well. It’s bouncy and boyant but gentle enough at moments so that I didn’t even bother stopping the bandcamp stream when I wanted to hear a new record, I just let the two play at once and it was probably fine. Not in those trumpet parts though! Imagine my shock whilst listening to indie-electronica breakaway hit artist M83 when a trumpet came to the fore! My face sure was red, I’ll tell you that. “THAT’S NOT A SAXOPHONE!”, I yelled. The trumpet parts are pretty understated though, so don’t get phased at the prospect of brass ruining regatta smooth folk-pop.
The cover art is throwing me, I keep listening to this record through a Tuscan lens and so it could be that it’s far less exotic than my ears are leading me to believe or it could be that things are as they seem. Whatever the case it’s a really strong record that doesn’t overreach. Like fellow Melbournites the Lucksmiths who (it’s hard to believe) first came to be almost 20 years ago now, Francolin are crafting simple, joyous pop melodies that aren’t built on artifice but a rich, sweet core of hills hoist songwriting. And just like the Lucksmiths again, I like this band. Here’s to both Francolin and the Lucksmiths.
Look I really wanted a reason to post this gif but there was no relevant moment so I’m just going to post it anyway and those of you who value continuity can send in a written complaint. Worth it for the ghetto express. “Member since ’92″. Remember that track ‘Errybody in the club gettin tipsy?’. That also, was excellent.
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[...] my tongue every now and then. What else am I missing in here? Oh oh, records from Grand Salvo and Francolin were both mighty fine this year and deserved a showing but if I’ve learned anything over the [...]