THE MUSIC FIX - SINGLE OF THE WEEK
Taking all the best bits from early Belle & Sebastian combined with Camera Obscura (yes, it is that good) are the amazing Allo Darlin’. Male to female dialogue bats back and forth against a whimsical musical backdrop that will make stripy jumper wearing indie kids grin from ear to ear. It’s also the first record this year to make me shed tears of joy.
DROWNED IN SOUND - SINGLES OF THE WEEK
‘Dreaming’ really is a stolen-night romance-a-thon, talking as it does about the risks of loving a New when you’ve had your heart hung, drawn and quartered by an Old. But it’s also about reading the signs wrong; of mistaking satellites for stars, and how, if you really want to ‘lose it on a disco floor’ you need to leave your broken heart behind. The best thing about it is that it sounds like a cardi-wearing, knock-kneed, twee pop song – with all the wheedling over-sensitivity that implies. But it is actually terrifically wise and practical; romance pop for realists, if you will allow me that.
ARTROCKER - 4/5
Thanks to a few superb demos that have been floating around online in recent months, Elizabeth Morris of Allo Darlin' has been attracting some worthwhile attention as a bit of a songwriter du jour. While the Fortuna Pop! label is no stranger to quality, this collaboration with Monster Bobby is a genuine delight to behold, further consolidating her emerging reputation. Not only is 'Dreaming' proof the Morris' voice is an effortless joy to listen to, but it's also evidence that from time to time, a well-rounded 3 1/2 minute indie pop stomp is just what the doctor ordered.
"Breezy rom-pop brilliance." NME
"Classic indie pop... doesn't rewrite the formula for wistful bedsit charm as much as show that it can still be carried out masterfully." Pitchfork
"A masterclass of modern cult pop." The Guardian
"Terrific, witty and heartfelt, like a less moody Belle & Sebastian." The New York Times