REVIEW: Literature - Chorus

In their sophomore album Chorus, Literature has delivered a top class indie pop recording.  It is full of hooks, melody, and lively performances.  The sound quality is excellent.  And at its core, this album just has a very sincere charm.  It appeals to you to let it be in your life, and after one listen you will be happy to comply.  Who doesn't want a high energy, well meaning friend with good jokes to hang around with?

You can hear a bit of the Smiths, The Loft, Felt or the Weather Prophets in the jangle and shimmer of the guitar, and a dose of the Feelies in the energy.   There is a bit of punk pop brattyness to some of the vocals, which gives the proceedings a touch of Tullycraft.  But, this album is not the least bit twee.   The sound is full and smooth, and fleshed out with synths.  And in any case the dominant impressions are of the confident and tight performances and assured songwriting rather than any particular influence.  In fact, one of the many impressive aspects of Chorus is the variety.  The vocals are swooning, aching, pleading or defiant as required by the theme of the moment.  The styles on offer include C86, noise pop and even '60s guitar pop.

Any band that can deliver an album of this quality, and with such clear progress from their promising debut, can be expected to deliver excellent music in the future.  But you shouldn't wait -- Chorus is begging to be in your collection, and it deserves to be in your collection.

Literature are Kevin Attics, Nathaniel Cardaci, Chris Schackerman, and Seth Whaland.  Chorus is out now via Slumberland Records.







Facebook
Tumblr
Twitter
Slumberland Records