Review: Los Campesinos – Romance is Boring
Los Campesinos may think romance is boring but the album is anything but. The seven piece band gives us a wild ride of indie pop mixed with electronics and unique sounds. Romance is Boring is full of highs and lows, the fun and upbeat and the darker, more serious tunes. “In Media Res” begins this joy ride, starting off softly, building speed, and plateauing in a beautiful symphony. The opening song often defines an album and this song showcases their unique blend —somewhat erratic but it all makes sense. It’s impossible to figure out where their songs are headed but it’s what holds your interest. It’s what makes you want to keep listening.
A drum beat and unforgettable vocals dominate “A Heat Rash in the Shape of the Show Me State…” All other instruments are secondary but of course, just as essential. Pianos, violins, and saxophones all make an appearance in the song, revealing this band’s complexity. Although Los Campesinos can seem very young because of their convivial style, their music is well thought out and detailed. “Plan A” feels like it belongs in a horror movie. Eerie scratching guitars and frightened singing make up the verses. Electronics in dissonance add to this troubling tune. But the choruses liven up turning the song into something more enjoyable for our fragile ears. There are so many sounds and vocals and instruments flooding each song on Romance is Boring but Los Campesinos somehow keep the chaos organized. They don’t have catchy hooks and they don’t follow any formulas, but somehow these turbulent melodies still manage to pull you in.
