Heart To Tell – The Love Language (Buy)
This week, I caught up with Raleigh’s The Love Language in Boulder, CO after their show at the Fox Theatre with The Union Line and Local Natives. Prior to that night, I had been briefly exposed to this band’s 2009 self-titled album, but I hadn’t heard their 2010 release, Libraries. Since my rendezvous with the band, though, I’ve had the album on steady repeat!
The CD is full of powerful, yet catchy tracks. Although you’ll likely find yourself nodding your head and tapping your foot to the beat throughout the album, make sure you actually connect to what’s being said. Each of the ten stellar tracks is a testament to singer Stuart McLamb’s poetic storytelling ability. Given the level of depth in each song’s message and lyrics, they certainly deserve every listener’s undivided attention.
Libraries opens with “Pedals”, a track that immediately caught my attention with its original feel. “Brittany’s Back”, though, the album’s second track and likely my favorite, surpasses even the opener with its unique and upbeat lyricism. As the album continues, the band incorporates (and improves upon) certain elements used by other artists. The track “Blue Angel”, for instance, sounds like something Rooney wishes they had written. The final track of the album, “This Room”, is also reminiscent of a Coachella-era Elvis (and I mean that in a good way).
After listening to Libraries, it became clear to me that The Love Language has grown significantly and diversified their Lo-Fi sound since their solid debut album. My advice? Go buy Libraries and be way ahead of the curve when next summer’s musical festivals come roaring back with this band on the main stage.
