The Long Blondes' new album "Couples" is a faithful tribute to the notion that a lead singer can remedy any situation.
This English indie-rock group reeks of artsy goodness, and its newest album is generally enjoyable.
Front girl Kate Jackson showcases her singing talent atop sleek riffs that seem to borrow from punk rock and '60s pop music.
Jackson steals the show on "Couples," which is both a blessing and a curse.
The first few tracks on the album are a harmonious blend of solid musicianship and unparalleled vocals, with Jackson crooning and boasting an incredible range. Songs like "Century" and "Here Comes the Serious Bit" are wholly enjoyable and upbeat.
The duality of Jackson's talent is the fact that she often has to sing the group out of a paper bag, especially on tracks where the music is uninspired.
Tracks like "Too Clever by Half" and "Nostalgia" would fall hopelessly flat without her amazing vocal work.
The album is strong, and it is refreshing to hear a female vocalist with true skill. The fact that she doesn't rely on backup singers, or any other fallback for that matter, makes her invaluable to the group and its sound.
Jackson's voice mixed with the usually bubbly music can distract an untuned ear from the maladies that haunt the album. If the group spent more time polishing up each track instead of letting Jackson pull them from the edge, the album would be flawless. Jackson displays such an effort on some tracks that it almost seems like her voice-box will explode from over-exertion.
The Long Blondes' latest album is pleasing, but some more time in the studio wouldn't hurt them.
Reach the reporter at: adam.chaikin@asu.edu.
