Emerging just on the right side of twee are Tears In X-Ray Eyes, a group led by the cute songwriting abilities of Tim Closs. 'The Way We Live Today' is a sugary pop confection. Much like Canada's Stars and Sweden's The Cardigans it basks in an innocent British indie pop glow and unusually the band are actually a British outfit, from London. Nevertheless they are clearly a fine band as the fuzzy guitar pop of 'Love Is Suicide' testifies. 'Promised Land' is the real masterstroke; from the opening shot of viola to its heartbreaking chorus, it's a big sloppy, romantic kiss of a song. 'Heavenly Host' follows a similar pattern but 'Nothing On Earth' and '100 Years' are a little too saccharine and sickly. Somewhat fitting for this time of year, the closing title track has a Christmas ring to it. But much like the rest of the album, enjoyment of 'The Way We Live Now' really depends on how fluffy you're feeling at the time.
Emerging just on the right side of twee are Tears In X-Ray Eyes, a group led by the cute songwriting abilities of Tim Closs. 'The Way We Live Today' is a sugary pop confection. Much like Canada's Stars and Sweden's The Cardigans it basks in an innocent British indie pop glow and unusually the band are actually a British outfit, from London. Nevertheless they are clearly a fine band as the fuzzy guitar pop of 'Love Is Suicide' testifies. 'Promised Land' is the real masterstroke; from the opening shot of viola to its heartbreaking chorus, it's a big sloppy, romantic kiss of a song. 'Heavenly Host' follows a similar pattern but 'Nothing On Earth' and '100 Years' are a little too saccharine and sickly. Somewhat fitting for this time of year, the closing title track has a Christmas ring to it. But much like the rest of the album, enjoyment of 'The Way We Live Now' really depends on how fluffy you're feeling at the time.
print this review
email this review