Allo Darlin' - If Loneliness Was Art

For Fans Of: Magnetic Fields, Camera Obscura, Hefner, Kimya Dawson, Jens Lekman, The Lucksmiths, The Wave Pictures. Blissful “Sha-la-la-la-las” on the new single from the indiepop album of the summer. Allo Darlin' is the music of Australian-born, London-based songwriter Elizabeth Morris. Originally from a country town in Queensland, Elizabeth moved to London in 2005 and, inspired to write songs by her purchase of a ukulele from the famous Duke of Uke shop in Brick Lane, began to make music. A little later Elizabeth hooked up with Paul Rains (guitar), Bill Botting (bass) and Michael Collins (drums) and cut a single, “Henry Rollins Don't Dance”. Much to their surprise, “Henry Rollins” started getting airplay on BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, XFM and the like, and glowing reviews in places such as the Metro, The Fly and The Guardian, the latter calling it "the best indiepop song for years". Now signed to Fortuna POP!, home of 2009’s biggest indie success story The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, “If Loneliness Was Art” is the third single to be taken from their recently released debut album. The first single “The Polaroid Song” was named by Drowned In Sound as one of the 50 best singles of 2009, while their second single “Dreaming” was voted Record Of The Week on Steve Lamacq’s Round Table by no less than Peter Hook, Jarvis Cocker and Huw Stephens.Written while visiting her parents on the Queensland Coast “If Loneliness Was Art” captures some of that Australian sea air with its laidback reggae-ish beach vibe and summery “Sha-la-la-la-las”. Listen carefully though and you’ll hear that the carefree disposition of the song masks a quiet despair and longing in the lyrics. As Elizabeth herself says, “It's about wanting somebody. Really really badly.” In their brief lifetime Allo Darlin’ have recorded two sessions for John Kennedy on XFM and also a Maida Vale session for 6music as Steve Lamacq’s personal choice for BBC Introducing. They’ve played Indietracks, Sŵn and SXSW festivals, as well as making an appearance at NY Popfest which led to them being described as “Terrific, witty and heartfelt, like a less moody Belle & Sebastian” on the front page of The New York Times arts section. Later this summer they’ll return to play the main stage at Indietracks and also make an appearance at End Of The Road. Even if the British weather fails to cooperate, “If Loneliness Was Art” is going to bring a slice of Aussie pop sunshine to proceedings. “The 10 songs on Allo Darlin's self-titled debut album don't rewrite the formula for wistful bedsit charm as much as show that it can still be carried out masterfully” (Pitchfork 7.9/10)

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