So I start listening to Trompe L’oeil Girl from The Beloved Infidels, and the first instrument I hear is the ukelele. I think to myself that this needs to be a really, really good album in order for them to set themselves up like that… now come on, the ukelele kicking off the album? They must not only be beloved, but also brave.
So first I hear the ukulele and then some vocals kick in, drums next, then electric guitar and bass, and then some keys to seal the deal. Next thing I know I’m listening to a nice little song. This one is called Suzanne and it has the most charming lyrics; a very witty pop song that anyone could embrace. I continue to listen to the album and by the third track, called Fallen Angels, I find myself hearing a pop tune with definite punk influence. Many bands try to pull a sweet pop song with punk undertones and fail miserably, but The Beloved Infidels pull this one off with seamless effort while still keeping composure. This album is really starting to rock! Which I didn’t expect. I’m also noticing little hints here and there of other influences as well. The British invasion, some surf guitar, even girl groups of the 50s and 60s. This is turning into an album that demands my full attention, and I love it! By the time I reach the song This Time Around, I am most definitely a new fan. The song, Accessory Doll, matches a honey sweet voice with opposition as can be heard in the lyrics “I’m not your accessory doll, I’m not a pretty thing you buy at the mall, and I’m not a trophy that you hang on the wall. Not your accessory doll.” And then the real rocker hits, this one is called She’s just too good for you. Power chords blazing in the intro to fall into reggae influenced verse, then back to a rocking chorus…”She’s just too good, she’s just too good for you now.” Well, no doubt about that. Did I need a cd to tell me? Man, I should really take her out to a movie this weekend… oh sorry, back to the review. This is really great. Music is such good audible therapy sometimes. So now it’s time for the closing track, Bigger than life, and this ends the album nicely as the perfect closer. I have always considered the first and last songs to be the most important… I like to listen to an album like I read a story, and a story missing its beginning or end is not really a story at all is it? Both the opening and closing songs on this album meet the challenge, and overall Trompe L’oiel Girl is a very satisfying album. It would be great to listen to over Morning coffee (which I’m doing right now), during long drives through the wilderness of Pennsylvania, or anytime and all places in between.
Reviewed By Kenn Deaton
