Monday 28 May 2012

AUBURN: A cool review (actually its a hot review but you know what I mean)

http://www.rhythm-and-booze.co.uk/?p=4683
Auburn-Indian Summer
It would seem somewhat apt to be reviewing an album entitled Indian Summer as I’m sat here with the sun beating through the window and the temperature outside hitting a balmy 23 degrees (in May!!).

Auburn first formed back in the summer 1999, they performed their first gig to a packed house at Madame Jo Jo’s and since then have racked up plaudits from just about everyone from the mainstream radio to Classic Rock Society via The Evening Standard. The band formed and fronted by Liz Lenten released their debut album back in 2003 and toured Europe and the UK with Sophie Ellis Bexter in front of over 40,000, in 2005 Auburn hit top 5 in the UK indie video charts with Cry, afterwards the group decided to take a break.

Now a good few years later the band return with a stunning new album that see’s the band take in a number of musical influences to create a warm, intimate blend of stripped-down electro-acoustic pop.

The album opens with a gorgeous statement of intent, Shame On You, a song that instantly sets the mood with it’s blend of strummed acoustic guitars, groovy patted percussion, lush harmonies, Liz’s passionate smoky lead-vocal and the tracks infectious vocal hook, instantly hooking the listener from the opening few seconds. Auburn follow up the upbeat opener with the beautifully mature ballad, Strong, subtle beats, cello and delicate guitars combine to create a fragile slice of aching pop, whilst the lead vocal is a vulnerable heartfelt croon that wrenches at the heart strings.

From there highlights continue to come thick and fast from the languid, summery jazz of the title track to the bouncy pop vibe of Day Dreamin’ via the homely country-folk tinged, Eliza Carthy assisted Too Far From Home. Liz and the lads create an album that’s nothing short of mesmeric and even the album’s curve ball, closing number, Day Dreamin’ (Dub Mix) does nothing to dampen a wondrous collection of mellow grooves and sensitive laments, actually the bubbling remix showcases a new territory that the band could perhaps visit in the future.

Indian Summer is a lovely album from start to finish of intriguing laid back instrumentation, high spirited vocals and spine tingling harmonies, Auburn seem to serenade the listener, with Liz Lentern equally lulling and seducing from the outset. If your looking for a collection of mature melody infused pop look no further than Indian Summer.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 8
www.auburn.org.uk

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