Ok so what do we know about Los Camp to date? ‘Twee’ is a word annoyingly banded around when talking about these guys, instantly likeable, high energy pop punk the likes of which has seemingly opened the floodgates for far too many inferior imitators almost ruining a sort of style and sound that Los Camp made their own, well not any more. Romance Is Boring certainly has similarities to their previous material but this is the sound of a band that is maturing well, finding their sound and creating a third album that is by far their finest work to date.
Working with producer John Goodmanson whose previous credits come as Death Cab and Sleater Kinney has allowed Los Camp to explore a darker side that was merely touched on before but has a starring role in this offering whilst also giving their much loved pop hooks a brilliant reshuffle making the album more accessible whilst not only retaining their talents, giving even more room for the Welsh seven piece to individually step up to the plate and showcase their growth. Since we last heard from the much loved group there has also been a bit of a change around, Aleks was replaced by Kim on synths and vocals and Sparky Deathcap (Rob) who has been joining them on tour.
The frenzied keyboard bleeps and instantly ‘to the point’ yelps are a replaced by string and horn arrangements straying away from any attempt at clutching on to the Lo-Fi bandwagon and actually making for some unexpectedly epic finales and moments that despite the obvious lyrical similarities to the last two you really hear something darker and more grown up. ‘The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future’ is the closest bind between the atmosphere of the whole album and the subject matter creating a brooding sing along that doesn’t just appeal to the adolescent love sick teens but has a chorus uplifting and invigorating enough to capture the hearts of even the most cynical writer and put in to place the fact that Los Campesinos are a band of many hidden talents. There is an awe of confidence that wasn’t there before and such tight production that makes tracks such as the insanely catchy ‘We've Got Your Back (Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #2)’ something so much more than the ‘twee’ pop that we’ve come to expect.
The lyrics are always a big draw for me with lead singer Gareth’s sarcastic outlook on life shining through as always on tracks such as ‘Straight In at 101’ 'I think we need more Post-Coital and less Post-Rock, feels like the build-up takes forever but you never touch my cock’ is certainly a statement and a half but it’s this off the wall, somewhat garish humour that makes the band even more appealing with each song telling a story of the awkwardness and resentment of love, generally ringing as true as watching an episode of the Inbetweeners.
Los Campesinos! have really found their feet with this offering of truly honest and touching anthems.
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