 Carte
Blanche
"Summer's End" CDEP
Shmat
Records
Genres: indie pop, dream pop
Shmat Records
PO Box 1191
Alahambra CA
91802
Jul 26 - Aug 1 2004 |
The Summer's End EP is a collection of love songs, but, as the
press sheet is quick to confirm, it is by no means sappy or
derivative. Carte Blanche, comprised of real-life couple Richard
Cranch and Dana Kruse, is much more content to deal with
love's more realistic side. Using a dreamy, lush pop formula,
they compose pleasant tunes that deal with every detail of a romantic
relationship, from the euphoric highs to the harrowing lows. So
sure, this is a love record - but where's the harm in that?
"Ill Take a Chance," arguably Summer's End's best
moment, starts off the disc in fine form - its wonderful, breezy feel
makes for an overwhelmingly beautiful listen. The dreary
"Hymn" follows, but the next truly great song is "Don't
Forget Love," a delicate, moving slice of cute acoustic pop -
somewhat like a Yo La Tengo crossed with Mojave 3.
The drastically emotional "Today I'm Crying" details
romance's dark side, while the uplifting title-track closes the disc
off in a lovely, Low mood.
Summer's End is a warm, comforting EP with some really
enjoyable, dreamy indie pop tunes. Love songs are nothing new,
but truly excellent ones can never be resisted.
86%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 7 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
