Lovely Assistant – Channel Four Romance / Read All The Meters (2020)
Influenced by the likes of Elvis Costello, Pulp, Prefab Sprout and Angel Olsen, Lovely Assistant meld the indie-rock and folk genres so well that you aren’t truly able to compare them to another artist. Building a reputation for insightful lyrics over heartwarming melodies, the UK-based foursome is building an international following with features on BBC Introducing, American Pancake, FV Music Blog, Muzak Review and The Other Side Reviews (that’s us!). The latest addition to their critically acclaimed repertoire is ‘Channel Four Romance/ Read All The Meters’.
This time, the North England quartet enchant us with not one but two singles as part of their double B-side ‘Channel Four Romance/ Read All The Meters’. Instantly charming, Lovely Assistant effortlessly weaves together melodious vocals and toe-tapping instrumentation. Showcasing their innovativeness and versatility as artists, the group transition from a stripped-back pop single to a smoky jazz sound – all with some folk undertones.
What I find most exciting about this double-sided single is the flowing harmony between Kieran Rafferty’s dulcet tones and Annie Griffiths tranquil timbre. The piano-driven ‘Channel Four Romance’ places a stark genuineness of Rafferty’s English-accented “smiley” vocals. Yet, it is Griffiths’ jazzy voice that truly adds sensuality and sentimentality to ‘Read All The Meters’.
Lyrically, the tracks are complex and introspective, but the double-sided single is a sonic representation of vintage meets contemporary styles. ‘Channel Four Romance’ is a stripped-back single, but ‘Read All The Meters’ presents a mellifluous harmony between instrumentation and vocals. Maintaining simplicity in their sound which, ultimately, has a robust effect, Lovely Assistant keep an endearing innocence in their passionate music.
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