Highlights: 20 Days And 20 Nights, Presence Of Mind, Dream Girls
This is one of those
albums you would rather call well-written than great. It’s not that it lacks an
edge (it doesn’t) or memorable hooks (we have them) – it’s the fact that Tim
Cohen just doesn’t have the songwriting chops to come up with a truly signature
tune. Still, the album has enough taste (oh yes) and smooth, soothing,
sophisticated indie pop melodicism to win you over. At some point; if you care
to give it a chance.
While Long Slow Dance is essentially a
collection of pretty little straightforward pop songs, its impact is not
exactly immediate. At first all you feel is unassuming, slow-burning charm;
Cohen’s low-key, slightly tortured vocals; lush, non-threatening guitars – but
not substance. I guess “20 Days And 20 Nights” is a perfect 3-minute opener,
but all that follows just gets away with being, well, nice – in a hazy, Shins-like
sort of way. And no, they never reveal themselves to be understated pop
classics, but lovely little gems they certainly are. There’s that catchy,
delightful vibe of “Dream Girls”, there’s that excellent vocal melody of “Fire
Alarm” (that chooses to have the no-not-again riff of “I Can’t Explain” playing
in the background).
The album actually gets
more adventurous towards the end, but that’s not necessarily something I
welcome. “Euphoria” is more complex but also more boring, and the 6-minute trippy
epic “Foolish Person” doesn’t really justify its length (the first part is good
though).
I do recommend this
album, but with certain reservations. You really have to like your pop music
sophisticated and subdued. But the songs are good. Or, to be more precise, good
enough. Ah well, just have a look at the cover - will tell you more than any review.
7/10
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