Camera Obscura's first single, “Park and Ride,” was released
in 1998. Since that point, the Scottish band
has been on a long sonic journey, experiencing several member and producer
changes. One thing that has never
shifted is the one-of-a-kind presence of singer/songwriter Tracyanne Cambell and her voice's sad, childlike
warmth. Desire Lines, the
five piece's (occasional six piece's) 5th studio album, captures Tracyanne's
essence better than any other Camera Obscura work. Unfortunately, it comes at a price...
Grammy nominated producer Tucker Martine, who has worked with
Neko Case, REM, and My Morning Jacket, gives the band a new sheen. There are no more chaotic strings like the
ones found on “Lloyd, I'm Ready to be heartbroken” (which I say every time I'm downtown and do not see my favorite
taco truck). However, there are also no songs quite
as infectious or exciting. The focus is
now entirely on Campbell with the band's
slick sound meant only as a backdrop to her soft melodies and lyrics. Campbell's voice sounds fabulous though, there is a milky tenderness that will make
you fall in love. Just listen to “Cri Du
Coeur,” the album's best track, and you will quickly understand why.
“Pleasant” and “mature” are words that come to mind when
sitting through Desire Lines. This is,
of course, what happens when you give the poppiest of pop bands an album full
of ballads. The first single, “Do It Again,” will fool you into
thinking there are more energetic songs. Not the case! “This Is Love
(Feels Alright),” “Fifth Line To The Throne,” and “Every Weekday” are examples
of the slow moving songs this album offers. Yet. they never quite reel the listener in the way Camera Obscura has in the
past. “French Navy,” off of My Maudlin
Career, is an example of the Scots' gone catchy.
Desire Lines does have a few memorable numbers besides “Cri
Du Coeur.” The upbeat “Break It To You
Gently” (featuring Neko Case) leaves an imprint, along with the somber “William's
Heart.” This album is not about any one
individual song. Rather, it is about one
individual. Tracyanne Cambell is
arguably the best sounding frontwomen of modern indie pop and Desire Lines is an essential listen
strictly for that reason.
Grade: B
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