Listening to ‘The Long Lost’ is a bit like sitting opposite a couple on a train. The reason for that is that the duo is Alfred and Laura Darlington, who are husband and wife. Alfred is usually known as Daedelus, and his last opus paid homage to early rave among other styles, while Laura has sung for Flying Lotus and Sa-Ra. Both move to a different comfort zone altogether for this, Laura singing quietly for the most part over a folk-influenced backing that seems free to go wherever it likes, at whatever pace it likes. This means an often blissful contentment comes into the music, tinged with melancholy, and songs like ‘Past Perfect’, ‘Regrets Only’, ‘Cat Fancy’ and ‘Finders Keepers’ have plenty of room to work their spell. And it’s an easy spell to fall under, as the two work in loose references to classical melodies and traditional sounding riffs, while keeping their songwriting craft to the fore. A lovely indulgence.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
