Philadelphia resident Jackie Doyle is the center of The Beloved Infidels as the principle songwriter, vocalist and guitarist. With her big smile, curly hair and sweet nasally voice, she resembles Adelaide from “Guys and Dolls”. The similarity ends there however because Doyle’s lyrics are much deeper and more intellectual than the Broadway nightclub dame.
“Trompe l’oeil” is French meaning “to fool the eye.” Love is blind as the old adage states and The Beloved Infidels are breaking that concept down in ten songs that revolve around love and its many aspects including the pursuit, the getting over and the lack thereof.
Doyle’s lyrics are quasi-quirky, never cliché and interestingly accessible. With simplistic accompaniment and melodies, reminiscent of the early British Invasion pop bands, the lyrics are the forefront of every song. “Suzanne” is an encouraging ditty from one girlfriend to another about how love will come around again and not to despair. “Fishtown” is the story of two star-crossed lovers who should fulfill their destiny and find true love in each other. On a more personal note, “Hey Romeo” with its tambourine and beach music vibe and “This Time Around” with the imitation rock organ are sung in the first person tense and are assertive about the hopes and desires idealized in a relationship. Along the same lines and in a more amusing tone is “Accessory Doll” which is the signature girl power song of the album.
If the group were to choose a single for release on the album, “Gasoline Can” is the most all-encompassing number that packages all the fun and originality of the group in one song. The chorus gets stuck in your head, as any good hook should and the concept of what one does for their beloved is true but presented in an unusual way. The guitar opener has The Monkees written all over it, as does the vocal chord progression build up in the second bridge.
The Beloved Infidels are consistent in keeping each song happy, uplifting and at a medium to medium fast tempo. With a variety of devices including ukulele, handclaps steady backbeats, all ten tracks on Trompe L’Oeil Girl boast easy listen-ability and toe-tapping catchiness.
Reviewed By Kelly O’Neil
