It seems somehow appropriate that I am sitting writing this review just gone midnight, with everyone in the house asleep bar me. The music of Lola in Slacks is ideally suited to late night listening. I feel something is missing though. Ideally, I should be in some sophisticated smoky wine bar in Paris, brushing shoulders with poets, artists, authors and musicians and other such classy and stylish bohemians. I guess late night in Glasgow’s South Side with only cats as company and a wee bourbon and coke as refreshment will do for now. Until this incoming Saturday that is…
If, like me, you have been waiting with barely contained excitement in anticipation of Moon Moth, you won’t be disappointed. Moon Moth seems to be one of those albums that has been promised for eternity, with fans of the bands music hanging on in suspended animation awaiting the final release. Well now that wait is over, and I’m overjoyed to report that this enchanting collection of bewitchingly impassioned sonic masterpieces has been worthwhile. This astonishing selection of enticingly graceful torch songs, magnificent laidback gems and much loved live favourites is making my decision about albums of the year increasingly difficult.
Alluring & Beguiling
An alluring confidence and beguiling charm positively oozes from all of the songs on this album, suggesting an incredibly tight and harmonious group of musicians totally on the same wavelength. If you haven’t before dipped your toe in the water to sample the delights of Lola in Slacks wait no longer, dive in and immerse yourself in this album, let these siren songs seduce your eardrums.
You can’t help but be captivated by front woman Lou Reid’s richly warm and strikingly arresting vocal. Having spent time in France perfecting her art, Lou plays the part of chanteuse perfectly, there is a raw passion and refined beauty in her voice, and while the French influence is apparent both in her voice and in the song lyrics and themes, there is something undeniably Glasgow that prevails. The deeply affecting Trocchi’s Canal a perfect case in point. A unique talent, once heard never forgotten.
Sultry and Exquisite
Of course, while Lou’s vocal is undeniably mesmerising, it isn’t just her voice that shines. In creating Lola in Slacks signature sound, the band gel magnificently creating an unforgettable ambience and aura through their beautifully orchestrated and arranged compositions. Ex of The Big Dish, Brian McFie providing the sultry guitar, Fiona Shannon her exquisite keyboards, and not forgetting Davy Irvin and the multi-talented Lesley McLaren on bass and drums respectively providing a solid base underlining the whole band and providing an impeccable intro to the albums closing track, the incredible and epic Strawberry Locks which still gives me tingles every time I hear it.
From the entrancing opening bars and engaging lyrics of album opener Postscript in Blue through to the closing of the aforementioned master stroke that is Strawberry Locks, I’m entirely absorbed by this record, one listen is never enough. Once I’m done here, i’m diving in again and I’ll be transported to another time and place, sitting in that smoky Paris bar sipping a pinot noir, people watching and letting the world slip by in unhurried black and white like I don’t have a care in the world.
The album is officially launched on Saturday night in Glasgow’s CCA where they are joined by label mates St Dukes. This is set to be a special evening.
Look out for an interview with Lou coming soon…
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