Diversity and eclecticism are words that spring to mind in relation to Pagan Wanderer Lu, whose spectrum ranges from simple but effective music with traditional folk instrumentation and articulate, thoughtful lyrics to dark electro pop.
The title track is a march with violin and plucked strings that veer between folk and shoegaze over which a well-crafted narrative addresses the timeless theme of death in an innovative way. Any (non metal) song that can include the word 'cadaver' in the lyrics - and do so without sounding corny or contrived - is destined to impress me.
There are moments - such as on 'The Gentleman's Game' that some of the playing sounds a little wonky, but I suspect it's intentional, and the lyrical detours and unexpected turns - not least of all the big brass explosion toward the end - make for a listening experience that's never dull. The epic, dramatic and ultra-moody 'England Expects' is a pretty bleak affair, but still manages a sweeping chorus that's genuinely moving before collapsing into a magnificent calamitous racket of loops and electro hum. 'Bridge of Sighs (Internet Forever Remix)' strays even further from the acoustic stylings of the first half of the EP, an all-out electro number that features some rather crazed processed vocals.
|
It's good stuff, and on the strength of this six-tracker, Pagan Wanderer Lu is a band that don't fit neatly into any one category. I'd consider that a good thing.
|
