Black Box Recorder
Facts of Life
Jetset
It is quite interesting to learn that one of the three members of Black Box Recorder is a major Absinthe importer. This may sound like useless info, but much of the psychedelic-lounge rock that arises on Facts Of Life could be explained perhaps by a possible binge on this forbidden drink. Distant cousins musically to both Belle and Sebastian and Air, Recorder utilizes their relaxed songwriting nature to near-perfectly compliment the haunting vocals of singer Sarah Nixey.
Spaghetti Western twang and drum machines gently caress sparkling keys on “The English Motorway.” Underneath the gentle skin of Facts Of Life lies an innocence that’s so unassuming, it could be construed as somewhat perverse. Mandolin chimes and cascading vocal harmonies cover the tongue-in-cheek pattern that many songs follow, including “Sex Life” and the vibrating noir of “French Rock n’ Roll.” Part romantic, part subversive, all wrapped up under humorous anecdotes under the European sky, Facts Of Life is a mélange of dreamy pop you can easily listen or make love to.
Jetset Records, 67 Vestry Street, New York, NY 10013; http://jetset.sinner.com
