The term "lo-fi" to describe an album's sound is thrown around way too often today in terms of describing a band's style. The origins come from the idea that an artist so much wants their music available that they record it via supremely cheap means (4-track cassette recorder is a fave) in order to get it out there. However, with The Love Language's self-titled debut (although it is all solely one man, Stuart McLamb) serves as both an homage to the original lo-fi recordings as well as a damn fine release on its own. A severely talented songwriter, McLamb (er, Love Language) creates a soundscape that perfectly accompanies his excellent lyrics. From the waltz of "Manteo" to the twang of "Stars" to the downright sad barroom ballad "Two Rabbits," the Love Language (er, McLamb) sound perfectly in place with each of the album's nine tracks. Through very down-home instrumentation (as well as the lo-fi staple that is over-fuzzed vocals (which, as opposed to the latest so-called lo-fi "music" of Waaves and Times New Viking) are intelligable) the album never strays to the point of obscurity and remains a very focused effort. A promising release from a band who with the help of very little has pretty something very grand.
4.2/5.0
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