It’s sometimes rather lazy to quote music PR, but the press release for Laki Mera’s second album has it pretty well sussed, talking of the band’s work that ‘artfully fuses electronics, strings, found sounds, ear-worm melodies and Laura Donnelly’s bewitching voice’. And there’s the clincher – Donnelly’s vocals are the winning element to music that could be described as an edgier and less predictable Morcheeba. There are some beautifully written songs here, from the offbeat charm of ‘Sweet Warm Dance’ and the slow, sultry ‘Leave A Burn’ to the big percussion the band bring in on 1 and Go On. Meanwhile ‘Starry Eyed Winter (There’s A Light)’ is the jewel in the crown. There is a pleasing live feel to the band’s music, higher on emotion than a lot of their contemporaries, and if the songs occasionally lose a little focus that’s a small price to pay for their overall material. Definitely worth seeking out for the hot summer nights we’re having at the moment!
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
