Camera Obscura
My Maudlin Career
Review by Justin Carretta
I probably shouldn't like this band. Guys in their mid-twenties aren't supposed to like Camera Obscura. They're too poppy, too twee, too every-song-about-broken-hearts. There is a slight problem with this, though. It's really hard not to like My Maudlin Career.
My first introduction to the band was through their previous album, Let's Get Out of This Country, which showed after repeated listening that the Glasgow quartet was more than my first impression, "Belle and Sebastian with a female singer." With the unmitigated pop of "Lloyd, I'm Ready to Be Heartbroken," a few other upbeat songs and some quality ballads almost worthy of inclusion on a 60s girl-group compilation, the album opened my eyes to the band. They filled a niche, as I don't think there has been a great pop band fronted by a female singer since Letters to Cleo.
Somehow, the band kicked up a gear on their new record. The two biggest highlights are the bookends of the album. "French Navy" and "Honey in the Sun" feature upbeat, flowery melodies that might make Ashlee Simpson blush, yet it completely works. "French Navy," which rips off one of my favorite all-time movie songs ("That Thing You Do!"), is completely irresistible bubblegum pop, while "Honey" contains one of the best horn parts I've ever heard in a non-ska song, and even if it has schmaltzy lyrics about warm and cold hearts, it's cool. (Seriously, people...use more horns in rock songs. They work.)
The remainder of the album is at a slower speed, switching between ballads and mid-tempo rock, but maintains the warm feeling. Highlights include the wistful yet hopeful title track, as well as the emotional "James" and "Away with Murder."
So yes, it's impossible to deny that the lyrics are occasionally very sappy. But if you suck at love and you want to listen to something that is emo-without-being-emo, this is the band for you.