Call Upon The Author

Larkin Poe are a re-invention of American country popsters The Lovell Sisters – minus the oldest sister. After the departure of Jessica (who, brilliantly, has done things the other way around to most people, by dropping out of a successful band to go to college…), 19 and 20 year old Rebecca and Megan Lovell have renamed themselves with their great-great-great Grandad’s moniker, teamed up with some musicians from Knoxville, and delivered Spring for our delectation. And it’s lovely! The girls have the lyrics, the musical talent, the back-up band, and above all the voices. This EP is a little cracker.
Now, if you asked me what I think of country music, I would generally roll my eyes and make a vaguely disgusted noise at you. Larkin Poe have, nonetheless, made it really work by giving it a little bit of pop sensibility and a modern slant that brings Americana into this century and dirties it’s ultra-white teeth enough to make it ace.
Track one, Long Hard Fall has the most country-ish feel, with it’s twanging bluegrass picking, handclaps and shuffling percussion. It works because it’s upbeat and cheerful without being cheesy, and the vocals are earthy and clear at the same time. Lovely stuff. Second song along brings what might be my personal favourite We Intertwine, which is genuinely gorgeous. A layered piece which uses a combination of twinkling piano and percussion overlaying soft thumps and strumming, and then come the harmonies. Oh my goodness, these girls can sing individually, but together…it’s really something special. One with rougher edges, and the other with a perfectly contrasting clarity that somehow matches the two like dark and light. The song swells and peaks, offers heartfelt lyrics and those beautiful voices. It’s a winner.
Bring on track three then, Burglary, and the only problem with this is the slight over-selling of the lead vocal by whichever Lovell (and I feel rude for not knowing!) is heading up this one. Don’t get me wrong, I still really like the soft, velvety dark feel and the story of getting your heart stolen…but she just occasionally forces her voice when it really doesn’t need it. Then comes track four, To Myself, which again gives that sparkling vocal and the perfect chorus harmonies. It’s a gentle roll along the road, this one – dreamy bass, a lovely combination of guitar and softly played instruments. Track five, Shadows of Ourselves is a nice piece of country pop, well played and sung with a lovely restrained sensibility which matches the music perfectly.
Next two tracks The Principle of Silver Lining and Ball and Chain are slightly darker, bringing us into the dusky twilight of this EP. Principle is bluesy, with raw edges showing around the vocals and a quiet eerier sound to the music. Ball and Chain is a great tune, with a more plaintive edge to the vocals and a kind of sad query resonating through it. We then exit into the sunshine of Nothin’ But Air, a perky number about getting rid of a useless boyfriend. Bright and breezy, this is a nice pop song with a good storyline and, again, brilliantly sung. Finally, Fairbanks, Alaska brings a return to bluegrass – a fitting end to this great little slice of Americana.
All in all, this a treat to listen to, and a nice surprise for this lover of metal and emo. It’s their voices that make this EP: effusive, note perfect and clear, the Lovell girls are clearly loving every second of what they do. And fair play to them, because they do it extremely well.