Thursday, August 14, 2008

Review: Big Life Desire "Dribs and Drabs"


Keith Harbottle is the one man force behind the Brit pop outfit Big Life Desire. His latest offering, "Dribs and Drabs" drops in September.

Something this British sounding is going to polarize the listeners. While some will embrace the quirky British charm, others won't be able to get past the fact that the record sounds like the Mike Myers SNL character "Simon" singing in the tub.

"Dribs and Drabs" is ideal music for chilling out. There is no question the songs are well thought out, meticulously crafted, and expertly performed. There are some pleasant harmonies, witty lyrics, and a skillful use of unorthodox sounds that blend seamlessly into the smart melodies. Standouts include "Full of You" and "Not Supposed To Make Sense". "Wait" is one of my favorites: a sparse yet gorgeous piano melody complements Keith's vocal styling most effectively on this track. "Someone is Missing" is a touching tribute to the departed, appropriately set to a haunting array of sounds not too unlike Depeche Mode.

"I don't have a good voice" is what Keith sings on "Not Supposed To Make Sense". Some will agree with him on both counts, but if you are a fan of indie-pop with a strong 80s vibe, you owe it to yourself to check out Big Life Desire. I liken the sound to Lightning Seeds or Britain's answer to The Simple Carnival.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5, 8

Big Life Desire on MySpace. Official Site.

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