Sons & Daughters - Love the Cup
(Ba Da Bing!)
This is easily one of the blandest records I've heard in quite a long time, and I really wanted to like it. That said, it's bound to be a hit. For such a mediocre offering, you might wonder to yourself why would this sell? Well, I'm holding a point back from you, which I will divulge now. David Gow from Arab Strap also plays in this band and some of the Sons & Daughters have performed on Arab Strap albums.
The first track, "Fight," features a Holly Golightly garage-y sound. This song will grow on you. Adele Bethel has an interesting voice, and it is well showcased here. Ailidh Lennon's mandolin playing is also worthy of note. Ailidh appears to be the most accomplished at playing her instrument.
In the songs "Broken Bones" and "La Lune," I hear The Renderers' Maryrose Crook in Adele's vocals. Renderers fans, don't get your hopes up, however. The comparison stops there. The instrumentation is so inferior to the Crook's mastery.
"Johnny Cash" has so much vocal dynamic. It's bizarre, because the music is unabashedly dull, but the vocals are engaging. The best track, by far, is "Awkward Duet." Adele channels this Carol Van Dijk sound, and the band rallies with better playing than they have hitherto exhibited.
There is a lot of potential here. Let's hope they get it together next time.
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