Pop Chops

Chant Darling
Lawrence Arabia
Mistletone, 2009
4 stars

Don’t let the ‘clever in a funny way’ moniker put you off - this New Zealand songsmith has some serious pop chops. Formerly one-third of NZ’s great Ruby Suns, and having toured with Okkervil River, James Milne knows how to write a catchy tune, and on Chant Darling he covers a hell of a lot of bases. With their gorgeous vocal harmonies The Undesirables and album standout Dream Teacher have Beatles written all over them, The Beautiful Young Crew has a bit of a hillbilly vibe and I’ve Smoked Too Much gives a nod to late ‘80s Americana, but pure sunny pop tracks such as Apple Pie Bed and Fine Old Friends will surely be the ones to be picked up by JJJ and co.
Artwork: C+
For such a sunny album, that sure is a dreary album cover. It's a nice painting, but I don't know - it just doesn't suit.

Published in mX, Thursday March 5, 2009.