It's not too hyperbolic to say that with each La Luz record there's a feeling for a listener of entering a land of listening pleasure. Such is the nature of the music of Shana Cleveland and crew because the charms of the tunes within are so distinct, and so uniquely appealing. It seems at times like La Luz are becoming the sort of band creating a genre all unto themselves. I used to feel that way about the Cocteau Twins too, and the danger is in a group not taking chances any longer once they've reached their own plateau. I'm happy to say that News of the Universe broadens the reach of La Luz just enough as to be forward motion for this outfit, even if the joys here are very familiar ones.
The otherwordly vibe of this record begins with brief instrumental opener "Reaching Up to the Sun", continues through lead single "Strange World", and reaches a sort of peak with "Dandelions", a space rocker with a debt or two owed to Broadcast and early Nineties Stereolab. Bassist Lena Simon and keyboardist Alice Sandahl are making their last appearnces with the band here on News of the Universe and their contributions to this first stretch of the record cannot be overlooked as the tracks positively pulse and pop. Producer and keyboard player Maryam Qudos (Spacemoth) allows this material to nearly bounce, even as "Poppies" stakes out territory less charged, and the stately "Always in Love" struts on a precise, elegant hook.
News of the Universe offers tunes which all have a lilting charm about them, even if the tempos vary and instrumentation mixes things up. Shana Cleveland is the constant here, guiding this music into spaces both intimate and wildly expansive; the chorus in "Good Luck with Your Secret" is breathtaking, for example. There's no other band that can sound like this. And that it all sounds so natural, and spontaneous even, is another wonder of La Luz and the group's power. I mean, what other band would follow a Sabbath-y intro with glorious harmonies? That's on "I'll Go With You", but the title cut here offers a similar juxtaposition between forcefulness and beauty. The whole secret of La Luz seems to be that battle between rock noise and harmony. News of the Universe is a journey between light and dark, but it's all done with a deft touch. Who else can make the uncertainty of existence sound so beguiling?
News of the Universe by La Luz is out now via Sub Pop. Details below.
[Photo: Wyndham Garrett]