Whilst Bella Union try and persuade fans that it is untrue that the only bands they sign are american with a tinge of beardy folk they lump in artist LAWRENCE ARABIA to their ever growing roster of artists that we can never get enough of. Lawrence Arabia is the pseudonym of James Milne, born 1981 in Christchurch, New Zealand (yep…he’s definately not American). James has already established a rich musical resume as a former member of the Brunettes, The Ruby Suns and one time touring member of Okkervil River. He has also produced for films and theatre and wrote the score for the indie film hit, “Eagle vs Shark”. Chant Darling is his UK and Bella Union debut.
Debut single ‘The Beautiful Young Crew’ crawls craftily under your skin and I guarantee you’ll be humming it before the day’s out. As for “Apple Pie Bed”, little wonder writer and singer James Milne just won a prestigious writers award for this in his home country of New Zealand. This is as good a pop song as you’ll hear this year/next year (delete as appropriate to when you read this..if youre reading this in 2136, this was what pop music once sounded like yes.)
Its got that lazy-feel pop touch that has gentle african and hawaiian hints wandering amongst the rhythms and the guitars. ‘I’ve Smoked Too Much’, ‘Look like A Fool’ and superb closer “Dream Teacher” which is a delicious nod to the vocal arrangements of the young Brian Wilson, all herald the arrival, when we were least expecting it, of a major songwriting talent.
You can hear Lawrence Arabia on Frukie from next week. Meantime watch the video…I wonder if that house has pampas grass in the front garden? If you don’t get it, don’t ask.
Lawrence Arabia – Apple Pie Bed
Download “BEAUTIFUL YOUNG CREW” HERE
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