Pure Bliss

In its understated beauty, this EP is a real jewel. A friend of mine told me they sound like a Midwestern version of Belle & Sebastian. That was supposed to be a compliment. But even having some justification, it kinda misses the point, because there is no irony hre mediating the message. Here you will find beautiful harmonies, sweet arrangements and a kind of tenderness that doesn't lack immediacy. If you enjoy sweet melodies and sincerity, don't hesitate and get "Our Hopes and Dreams" now. I just wonder why there is not an official debut album yet. Highlights: Air, Forever Changing, Even Now.

WARNING!!!

THIS ALBUM IS NOT BY THE BAND KNOWN AS "OWLS" WHICH CONSISTS OF TIM KINSELLA AND OTHER MEMBERS OF JOAN OF ARC/CAP'N JAZZ. THIS ALBUM IS BY AN INDIE POP BAND CALLED "THE OWLS", AND THOUGH IT IS NOT THAT BAD, IT CERTAINLY IS NOT WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IF YOU WANT THE SELF TITLED ALBUM BY "OWLS" WHICH IS THE OTHER DOWNLOAD OPTION SEEN HERE.

The Owls’ debut is a charming, easy-going indie pop record that will have you reaching for comparisons to such indie pop greats as Heavenly, Small Factory and Belle & Sebastian. If that sounds like your cup of cocoa, Our Hopes and Dreams can settle in nice and cozily next to your Camera Obscura and Walker Kong. The record is filled with gems like the cute as a button “Air,” the ultra-catchy “Do Ya?” the downcast and dreamy “Luck,” and the small-scale epic “Drop Me a Line.” Songs that are heartfelt and emotional but with the emotion tucked firmly inside long sleeves. The album is mostly pretty simple but imaginative, clean guitars, quiet drums, the occasional piano, Allison LaBonne and Maria May’s breathy, melancholy, and always sweet vocals. The one high point is Brian Tighe’s “Forever Changing,” which features a lush synthesizer string backing and pianos straight out of Brit Psych 1968. This is an unassuming record that will be instantly familiar and as snug as a favorite old sweater. Seek it out. – Tim Sendra