Can sadness be more sweet? The aptly named Romantica,Luna's sixth studio effort, speaks of broken heartsand misplaced dreams in such a decadent and gorgeousway that pleasure trumps pain. The band, re-energizedby the appearance of candy-voiced bassist BrittaPhillips, (who replaced Justin Harwood after hisdeparture to tend to his wife and child in NewZealand) is back at the top of its game, playing songsto be listened to with a brown bottle and a comfychair.
Romantica brings Luna back to the languid guitars andrelaxed grooves of Penthouse. Dean Wareham is at hiswry and witty best; penning lyrics such as "I'm badwith faces and worse with names. The lost glove ishappy, it's all the same" and the just plain silly"Salt and pepper squid and singapore noodles, I couldlook at your face for oodles and oodles."
Sean Eden's warm and fuzzy (and utterly beautiful)lead guitar sings and couples with Britta's playfulbass riffs and Lee Wahl's persistent drumming to frameDean's warbling and strumming in a picture of wistfuland relaxed intonation. The listener is transported toa neighborhood café, mid-afternoon, a few drinks inthe gut and beautiful people abound.
Stand outs include the opener Lovedust, featuringDeans sexy, vodka soaked growl, the more rocked-outWeird and Woozy and Renee is Crying, and the sugarysweet Mermaid Eyes (accented by Britta's erotic, yetsoothing alto)
This album has definitely been touched by the recentdivorce of Dean and his actress ex-wife, but in thiscase heartbreak was a fine muse. Dean says it best inDizzy, "My life is small and getting smaller, and I'msurrounded by Demons. It's fantastic"
Article comments
1 - jose luna
i love