Slow Club

Nearly a year after its UK release, Brit duo Slow Club's (Rebecca Taylor and Charles Watson) assured debut finally arrives in North America. Beginning in Moldy Peaches land, with acoustic charmer "When I Go," the record sets itself up as a cutesy twee outing. However, the mood quickly changes, prudently evolving into Saddle Creek-style pop with scattered shades of country. "It Doesn't Have To Be Beautiful, Unless It's Beautiful" compensates for its title's triteness with Tilly and the Wall-type stomping. Likewise, "Trophy Room" and "Our Most Brilliant Friends" jaunt along raucously, frequently profiting from wry lyricism. Throughout, the two leads' communistically shared vocal duties complement each other well, with Taylor's pristine pipes flirting playfully with Watson's Conor Oberst-conjuring lilt. Although Taylor's spotlight moment as a lullaby singing Éponine on "Sorry About the Doom" stands out on an album filled with highlights.