People In Cars
Submarine Cat, 2022
9/10
The London alt-rockers Curse Of Lono return with a 3rd album, and much like everything they’ve done, it’s a curious mix of alt-folk and gothic Americana that’s haunting in its exploration.
“Let Your Love Rain Down On Me” starts the listen with a soft and agile delivery that mixes Americana with mysterious pop ideas, and “I Think I’m Alright Now” follows with dreamy melodies amid the crisp drumming and spirited guitar work.
Deeper into the listen, “Steppin’ Out” offers breathy singing alongside a hypnotic landscape that’s got a retro soft-rock quality to it, while “So Damned Beautiful” recruits Tess Parks for a stylish yet ominous version of goth tinted indie-rock.
Approaching the end, the quicker “Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride” emits a smooth and nearly post-punk fueled display of precise musicianship, and “Timeslipping” exits the listen soft, intimate even, though quite powerful in its subdued presence.
A delicate and dark affair, the title comes from frontman Felix Bechtolsheime history of driving and listening to music when the weight of the world was falling upon his shoulders. This time, though, he brings his own songs with and us along for the ride, and it’s a cinematic, expressive and atmospheric journey that bridges country, roots, rock and psychedelia in a way that few others would dare to try.
Travels well with: William The Conqueror- Maverick Thinker; Treetop Flyers- The Mountain Moves