Album Review: Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura: 'My Maudlin Career' (4AD)

1. French Navy
2. The Sweetest Thing
3. You Told A Lie
4. Away With Murder
5. Swans
6. James
7. Careless Love
8. My Maudlin Career
9. Forests And Sands
10. Other Towns And Cities
11. Honey In The Sun


Some might say that 13 is unlucky, but having stuck together - formation changes aside - for that long appears to have eventually paid off for Scottish group Camera Obscura. Avid followers might argue that this, the band's fourth studio album is not really their finest (they'd probably argue the case for 'Let's Get Out Of This Country'), but Camera Obscura have certainly managed to make themselves heard this time without compromising the style which has seen them reach cult status in many countries (notably Spain, where the released an album with Elefant records).

The band's canny ability to make a lyrically sad song sound so feel-good is again on show, none more so on tracks such as opener 'French Navy' or final track 'Honey In The Sun'. In between we are exposed to a plethora of exquisite pop, which transports the listener to another era.

Quite simply, 'My Maudlin Career' is one of 2009's must haves.

NME-Rating: 9/10
Top Track: 'French Navy'



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