AUBURN —INDIAN SUMMER (Scarlet Records) and UK Dates in May

[Maurice Hope]

http://www.auburn.org.uk 

Understated and more often than not charming Liz Lenten’s pop styled folk have a beautiful, and on occasions a quirky feel. Her whispery, girl-ish vocals lead the listener into the lyrics in discerning fashion, and with her responsible for all the lyrics (she shares the musical honours with guitarist, Max Gilkes) it is good to have her back after her recording sabbatical. For Lenten after fronting the band in 1999 on their debut EP (Sweet Sabastian) and had Tim Pettit (Travis, Sun House, Carlene Carter) produce their follow-up ‘For Life’ and in 2003 we had their debut album, Dreams. Then came her taking time out to concentrate on parenthood. 

 

‘This Is The Life’ opens with a familiar ring to it. An old soul pop hit from somewhere down the line but exactly what I am unsure, whatever it is it suits her and the band! Likewise, fitting like a glove you have to a funky, pounding beat ‘Shame on You’ that speaks of dancing till you drop on her ‘girls’ night out and not far behind it there is ‘Day Dreamin’ (rich in hooky summertime grooves; a little Caribbean) and on calling for forceful piano (Gilkes) and wistful violin (Eliza Carthy) Lenten speaks of life’s riches. Others in support on the album include Jevon Beaumont (bass), Willy Molleson, Wan Hewitt (percussion) and Rob Lewis (cello) with a bunch more on harmony vocals.

 

Title-track ‘Indian Summer’ is a dreamy jazz cum pop wandering that seeps ever so slowly into one’s senses, though a little sombre and just too relaxed for me as it tends to meanders in a less than meaningful fashion. My favourite track is ‘Too Far From Home’ —that contains some superb violin, cello and a general infectious urgency that speaks of homesickness as she laments the fact she is ‘too far’ from her beau. It’s beautiful tones coupled with Lenten’s gentle coaxing tones ensure you can’t help but immediately want to play it again and again. I only wish there was more like it. I am tempted to suggest that to hear ‘Too Far From Home’ alone the project is made worthwhile, plus not a million miles in its slipstream her song ‘Stop The Clock’ is a finely spun reflective piece.  

 

                                                            Maurice Hope 

IK Dates in May click here