The Postmarks

Miami is not typically a place to inspire twee, intelligent Euro-pop. Most notably because the weather is in a general constant state of bliss, which doesn’t help much for those bands inspired by consistently shifting skies and the need to reflect on the humble feelings of love lost when you can be getting over it with a South beach salad and your Speedos. But love still dies and Smiths albums exist in places oranges grow and the Postmarks are the next in line of decent female-fronted bands that orchestrate sophisticated pop songs in the vein of ’90s throwbacks Saint Etienne and Ivy, whose Andy Chase, oddly enough, mixed and is releasing this album on his own label of like-minded pop. Unlike these bands however, and probably wishing Van Dyke Parks was on the boards, the Postmarks settle for moodier and lush orchestration that evokes a more nocturnal, if not sombre, atmosphere. "Know Which Way the Wind Blows” features ringing, noir-sounding guitars reminiscent of those employed on Portishead’s debut and collapses in lush horns. "Summers Never Seem to Last” (you’ll notice the constant seasonal theme) is a delicate piece of chamber pop with gently plucked strings going back to Life-era Cardigans and singer Tim Yehezkely’s, warm coo, which although fitting, does tend to become slightly weary over the course of the album. It is easy to compare this debut to others but for those looking for something new for those remorseful final days of winter, or just a soundtrack to staring out a window and reflecting on life, the Postmarks will do fine.