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Did the The Killers' return leave you dry? I know it did me. All that earnest bombast, the facial hair and U2 chords. No, no and no. Sam's Town is so arid, so dull; so 'important'. I ached for some pop, some neon, a smudge of eyeliner and songs about girls called Jenny. Not second hand Springsteen and the big picture. Thank heavens then for Low vs Diamond.
Signed after only one gig by the manager of The Killers, Los Angeles based Low vs Diamond's debut EP is a mirage, a shimmering collection of taut elegies. The lead track soars above a skittering rhythm and gliding strings. It's New Order as they where shedding the shadow of Joy Division. California sunshine bleaching away the Manchester rain. The guitars buckle, dissolve, dislocate and dance. Lucas Field's vocal has the fragile edge of the beautifully frail reaching for the ether.
Stay Awake quivers like moonlight, the opening an echoing bassline, a machine rhythm, with a synth that is sighing deep in the mix. Then the guitars ambush you and well, I am in love. Low vs Diamond then do a cartwheel and make gold from the cliché of post punk guitars and a whirling organ on So This is Your Life. It's a kiss off to a lover who has overstepped the line. The sarcasm is audible and fetching. The EP closes in fine fashion with I'll Be. When Field sings "I wanted all you had" against the elevated guitars, I know how he feels. I want more of this and soon.
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