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Album Reviews
Album Review: The Lucksmiths – First Frost (Fortuna POP!)
By CMU Editorial | Published on Monday 8 December 2008
Although 2005’s ‘Warmer Corners’ was the first album to attract widespread recognition, especially amongst the blogging community, Melbourne band The Lucksmiths have actually been recording since 1993 and new record ‘First Frost’ is their ninth studio album. Those familiar with ‘Warmer Corners’ will have a reasonable picture already of what to expect since the band more or less cover the same terrain and stick to the same template that made that album a successful and memorable record. For those new to The Lucksmiths, their sound can be described as jangly indie-pop with smart and literate lyrics, and their influences include The Smiths, Belle And Sebastian and Orange Juice, and there are also hints of fellow Australians The Go-Betweens and The Triffids. Their best work certainly sits well in comparison with the aforementioned bands; see ‘The Music From Next Door’ from ‘Warmer Corners’ for the best example of their sound. Whilst ‘First Frost’ might lack anything comparable to sweep you off your feet, there is still plenty to recommend; this is still a commendable and consistent record. Highlights include ‘A Sobering Thought (Just When One Was Needed)’, which adds a dash of brass to accompany the band’s signature sound, and ‘The Pines’, which is more restrained and introspective that anything else here. There’s nothing over-elaborate or showy; just the work of a band which knows its limitations and always plays to its strengths. Whilst the album might not reach the heights of it’s predecessor, ‘Warmer Corners’, it’s still a fine effort. KW
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