With Los Campesinos!'s new album, Romance Is Boring, I've developed an unhealthy obsession with these seven. I sat down at midnight on the 26th, plugged in my bass headphones, and listened to all 16 songs (including the bonus track) straight. I can't say that it was love at first listen, but it's definitely love now. The romance I have with this album is anything but boring.Romance is Boring is the epitome of LC! at their best, lot's of anger. It's definitely their most moody album as of yet. It's a nice contrast to all the pleasant, soft, folk music I've been listening to lately. Sometimes you just need to listen to Gareth whining. Of course, there's also all the layers of catchy sound LC! manages to fit together without making the song noisy. It's brilliant.
I have to say, though, my favorite part of the whole album is the beginning of "This Is a Flag. There Is No Wind." Yes, the highlight of the album is three seconds long, the highlight being the yelling of "CAN WE ALL PLEASE JUST CALM THE FUCK DOWN?!" I don't think a Los Campesinos! album would be complete without group yelling.
I also feel the need to mention the song "The Sea Is a Good Place to Think of the Future." Something about it sets it apart from the rest of the album. I don't mean to sound cliche, but it's a beautiful track. The lyrics and the strings in the background, something about it makes so special. And they've got a video to go along with it.
I managed to see them on their North American tour this past August, and they were simply wonderful. Since then, Aleks has left the band to go back to school. Kim, Gareth's sister, has since taken her place on keyboard and vocals. Can't wait to see them again in May.
