Sara Lov - The Young Eyes - CD (2009)

Labels: Nettwerk
Review by: Andy Malcolm

Ah. Now this is more like it. After blowing my brains out with some diabolical review items, I decided to pop in this EP by Sara Lov, and the soothing tones and easy on the ear vocals of this pleasant acousticism are a blessed relief. Sara’s vocals are strong and clearly the prominent point for this downbeat little collection of songs. The whole feel of the opener “New York” is very melancholy, the music fits in with the likes of Low, but vocally it’s a lot more up front. Fortunately, Sara’s vocals are superb, and they carry the show most expertly. Not every song follows in the same vein, “Timebomb” (a Beck cover) is certainly poppier although never overtly so. Sara is ably assisted by various musicians on each track, generally with piano or cello being most noticable. Stand out is final song “Why Can’t I Be?”, that meanders eerily, and sounds like it could have been on an Ida LP. Very nice. There is not a whole lot more to add. This is a good little EP, not something that I am likely to put on that often, but if you are into simple, sad, singer/songwriter music, particularly if you have an affection for distinctive female vocals, then you ought to give Sara Lov a bit of time as I think you’ll come away at least as impressed as I. Even though there is an Arcade Fire cover.