Search - Douglas Armour :: The Light of a Golden Day, The Arms of the Night

Lush and Inspired Debut

Van Man | Los Angeles, CA | 12/29/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I heard a track from this artist from a friend and was impressed with it's psuedo like Postal Service sound. Decided to pick it up and give it a listen. Overall the album has a lot going for it. Let me break it down and give some thoughts:



1. Not An(other) Unlove Song- This song is a funky mix, somewhat disarranged, kind of hard to listen to, not too impressed with the vocals, and it doesn't seem to know where it wants to go. The chorus reminds me of some art bands like the Residents.



2. Fall Apart Again- I Purchased this CD for this particular song. Beautiful and sincere vocal delivery, and very eloquent lyrics. Energetic but lush at the same time. Little bits of the music in the chorus bring "The Ocean Blue" to mind.



3. Towards the light- Song drags and the vocal is a little aggravating as are the arrangements. Vocals are very dry and seem too improvised. That's ok for the close of a song but to use it they way it is here makes it a somewhat excrutiating listen. It has a suprisingly abrupt end.



4. Trembling On The Verge- Intro reminds me of a 70's cop show, very energetic listen. And the vocal manipulation works well with this track as it does on track 2. Very nice groovy vibe. This is a strong track and I really like the transitional break near the middle of the song and how it carries out til the end.



5. Flushed And Flamelike Themselves- This song is nice but sounds a little overproduced. The emotional vocal in the chorus doesn't really meet expections and seems a little jumbled with the music. I guess this is what a band like PEARL JAM would sound like today.



6. Something Sweet- Really love the guitar on this song, but I wish the vocal was a little simpler and whispery. The vocal effect doesn't really work hear and the voice moves a little too quickly. I would love to hear this in a more raw form.



7. The Whole World- This song is very lush and dreamy. But the music really outdoes the vocal. Reminds me of blue-eyed soul of the 70s.



8. As Bright As The Stars- By far the best song of the bunch. I love the arrangements and the highs and lows of the vocal. very pretty with an excellent break in the middle. Remind me a little of JET and Coldplay, but better!



9. Prince of Wands- Another pretty good track, would love to have heard a woman's voice on this one but not sure why.



10. The Mystery It Never Lasts- Childlike and reminscent of the track 2 but slower. Vocal reminds me a little of Super Furry Animals. Nice lullyby feel to it.



Overall my fav tracks are 2, 4, 8. I would recommened this CD to people who enjoy listening to folky pop a la "Bell and Sebastian." Nice debut from Armour."