Romance is Boring

Artist: Los Campesinos!
Label: Wichita Recordings
Website: www.loscampesinos.com

Really can't get enough of this record or this band

After the stellar two records Los Campesinos! released in 2008, I was definitely all hyped up to check out album number three Romance is Boring.

They have a very unconventional sound for a 7-piece from Cardiff and the group’s Pavement-meets-punk repertoire comes across clean and sharp throughout the entire album without losing an ounce of enthusiasm. What Romance is Boring expands on from the group’s earlier work, is that the record feels made for prime time with its complex layers, sing along choruses and an in-your-face attitude that makes you take notice and cheer the group on.

Along with the duelling guy/gal vocals, Los Campesinos! round out their high energy with spontaneous strings, brass, electronics and drum machines.

Romance is Boring was produced by John Goodmanson (Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, Wu-Tang Clan) and features guest spots from the likes of Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu), Zac Pennington (Parenthetical Girls) and Jherek Bischoff (Dead Science), which of course only adds to the record’s appeal.

Los Campesinos! already were hitting their stride but Romance is Boring represents a band that has found their direction, sound, spirit, attitude and will do nothing but continue upward.

Christopher Anthony

For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note