'Less is more' is an adage I strongly believe in. In the sense that The Lost Cavalry utilise simple - by which I mean traditional - instrumentation and uncomplicated arrangements to create delicate, straightforward and unpretentious music is a definite plus. That isn't to say the songs are sparse or skeletal, as they introduce a not inconsiderable array of different sounds across the course of the four tracks here, including ukulele and concertina.
There's a dreaminess and an emotional depth to the delivery, without being forced or twee. The lead track, 'Oh Sally,' is very much about 'less' in the lyrics department. By the tenth repetition of the chorus, though, I find myself thinking that less repetition is also more, especially as the lyrics aren't very good: 'Oh Sally, your feet so small / defy the force of gravity / I fell into a perfect spin / questioned my ability.' Still, it floats through nicely and has a nice marching drum holding it all together.
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'Only Forward' is a lovely closer, though: sedate, majestic and with a slightly melancholic hue about its folk-infused post-rock crescendo-climax finish. It's unquestionably an interesting debut, and one that suggests The Lost Cavalry have a distinctive sound and no shortage of ability in the songwriting or musical departments either.
http://www.thelostcavalry.com
http://www.myspace.com/thelostcavalry
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