Album Review: Lydia - Paint It Golden

Lydia were no more. And suddenly Lydia were, again. Only this time Lydia were only two, but Lydia it certainly still is. However, it seems the band's trimming of musicians has brought other changes along with it. Indeed, Lydia's previous two full-lengths 'December' and 'Illuminate' showcased a brand of melancholic indie-rock, displayed soft tinges of shoegaze and injected enough pop sensibilities to sustain the song writing's pulse. Lydia divided by two is back with a new album 'Paint It Golden' that proudly stars the same elements along with a new perspective that's more hopeful than dreary.

Opener 'Hailey' commences with a soft piano, carrying an aura of emotion that is only a taster of what's to come. Front man, Leighton Antelman's crisp vocals tear through the effected wall with power and control, confidently steering the album on. The piano comes to make many more appearances (along with organs and other synth combinations) throughout the album, notably on 'Eat Your Heart Out' and 'Dragging Your Feet In The Mud', where the keys find their places among reverberated harmonies and understated drumming patterns.

'Get It Right' drags the band even further into "chill" territory with its relaxed beat and unforced vocal work, before unleashing an unexpected wall of noise and some surprising use of electro bass sounds. One of the high points of the album, 'Ghosts' serves as the heart of the album, brimming with emotion and passion. Antelman's vocal lines are gripping and soothing at the same time, only complimented by the variation accorded by the inspired instrumentation.

If there were to be but one complaint, it would be directed towards the lack of versatility in some of the arrangements that often repeat themselves and can lead to the songs somewhat blending into each other in a blur. However, repeated should soon extract the pearls, at the risk of disregarding some of the lesser tracks on 'Paint It Golden'. It was sad that Lydia split up, but the band's bare essentials and soul are still present and worth a listen (and a few more after that).

4/5

'Paint It Golden' is out October 4th.

James Berclaz-Lewis