April 4, 2011

The Luyas Find Beauty That Works

The Luyas - Too Beautiful To Work   4.5/5


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   Raw strings, a french horn and sharp keys are among the many elements make Montreal's The Luyas one of the most interesting indie rock-pop bands out there. A patchwork of band members from outfits like Miracle Fortress and Arcade Fire, it's not surprising that The Luyas have constructed an appealing blend of rock-pop that teeters on experimental.

  Twisted and contorted instruments combined with the sweet, soft vocals of lead singer Jessie Stein create rapturous atmospheric rock pop like the standout 'Canary' or the playful 'Moodslayer'. Yet even when experimenting the band doesn't away from more contemporary indie pop on the charming title track 'Too Beautiful To Work'. Playing with numerous instruments throughout the record, Stein's vocals, many times taking note from The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, are placed behind lush strings, xylophones, and horns letting the instruments take centre stage. Angular instrumentals, chopped up beats and twisted vocals allow Stein and company to tease and toy with sounds throughout the record (check out Tiny Head) yet never feel perfected.
  Too Beautiful To Work is a rich tapestry that rewards with ever twist and turn. The Luyas succeed at creating a captivating record that feels more like a live recording, where the band freestyles and stretches their songs to new limits, except this is just the recording. A must hear.

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