aaamusic | On 03, Dec 2012

Los Angeles indie folk quartet Lavender Diamond may be part of the ‘New Weird America’ movement, but they’re refined and complex and maybe only a little bit freaky.
The group comprises Becky Stark (vocals), Jeff Rosenberg (guitar), Steve Gregoropoulous (piano) and Ron Regé Jr. (drums). Strings are by the Calder Quartet , horn arrangements by Probyn Gregory and the psychedelic cover art by Regé.
Incorruptible Heart , their second album, is released by Paracadute Records on 3rd December, 2012 and produced by Damien Kulash and Dave Fridmann. It follows their 2007 début album Imagine Our Love.
Everybody’s Heart’s Breaking Now is a dreamy, elegant waltz which builds slowly in orchestration, contrasting with the rock funk of I Don’t Recall. The philosophical rock ballad Forgive follows the simple acoustic folk of Come Home. Light My Way has a lively retrospective dance disco feel and the upbeat Perfect Love sounds cute and innocent. Ragtime inspired Everybody’s Song is great fun and the exquisite operatic joy of All The Stars gives a beautiful, celestial ending to the album.
Becky has a distinctive and rich soprano. She sings heart breaking melodies with a fine, crystal clear voice. Her songs have a simple, playful and delicate quality which create an intimate and atmospheric album, both soulful and emotional.

★★★★★

Anthony Weightman