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It is difficult third album time for New Zealand indie veterans The Brunettes, made even more so by the fact that it is their first release for major indie label Sub Pop (The Postal Service, The Shins, Low etc). However they seem to have handled it with the utmost of aplomb.
Structure & Cosmetics is nine tracks of The Brunettes unique blend of pop. Immediately noticeable however is the increased production levels and wide range of instruments at play - complementing their standard vocal harmonies is everything from guitar, piano, organ, synths, to a glockenspiel and the all encompassing mellotron.
'B-A-B-Y' is the perfect opener - a chanting chorus, hand claps, horns and tongue firmly planted in cheek, with the track listed as 'Brunettes Against Bubblegum Youth'.
Then lead single 'Her Hairagami Set' sees Heather Mansfield’s vocals in great form. This is a song that is so smart you’ll appreciate it more with each listen. The dexterity with which the arrangement slides from simplicity to an ethereal form is sublime.
'Wall Poster Star' is also worthy of mention. The track is delightfully paced, before morphing into a fittingly melodic finale – great stuff.
And so, with the slightest hint of a maturing sound, The Brunettes have gone and blessed us with an album that stands toe to toe with all the other indie contenders out there.
Essential Tracks
B-A-B-Y
Her Hairagami Set
Wall Poster Star
Full Track Listing
1. B-A-B-Y (4:15)
2. Stereo (Mono Mono) (5:03)
3. Her Hairagami Set (4:40)
4. Credit Card Mail Order (4:12)
5. Obligatory Road Song (4:14)
6. Small Town Crew (3:53)
7. If You Were Alien (4:29)
8. Wall Poster Star (3:37)
9. Structure & Cosmetics (4:35)
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