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- Summary: This is the second album for New Zealand's James Milne as Lawrence Arabia, who previously was a touring musician with Okkervil River.
- Record Label: Bella Union
- Genre(s): Indie, Rock, Pop
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 8 out of 9
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Mixed: 1 out of 9
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Negative: 0 out of 9
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The brilliance of Chant Darling is that while it peddles a brand of indie pop that comes off chewed over and spat out a million times over, there is nothing tiring about it. That’s because it’s neither precious nor gimmicky nor remotely self-conscious. And it’s just so beautiful!
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There is enough in the moments which don’t quite astound to suggest that Lawrence Arabia is on the cusp of making a real classic of a record, until that time arrives, go check out ‘Beautiful Young Crew’ and drool at the prospect of an album which tops it not once but twice.
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UncutThe effortlessly adroit songwriting on this, his second album shows why [in-the-know Kiwis have long talked up the talents of James Milne]. [Jan 2010, p.118]
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Lawrence Arabia's narrator persona, with one foot sternly in the past and the other staggering, trying desperately to get away, loiters before it settles. This makes Chant Darling a charming listen whose dolorous sentiment recurs like a welcome motif, each song taking time to reveal its full charm.
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Under The RadarHis naked candor drives a stake through your heart, the emotional payoff on an equivocal and conflicted, yet excellent record, and one that augurs even greater things to come. [Winter 2010, p.63]
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Chant Darling is an album that won't leave a massive impression on first listen, but there's a definite charm that keeps you coming back for more.
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Nothing here is without precedent, but personality goes a long way, and the best bits of Chant Darling are full of it.
Score distribution:
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Positive: 0 out of
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Mixed: 0 out of
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Negative: 0 out of