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Allo Darlin' - Capricornia

Capricornia by Allo Darlin'

4...according to our on Fri 10 Feb, 2012.

I wasn't overly keen on their first album (though a lot of people were so who is the idiot?). Immediately this new 7” sounds much more up my street. The A side is a nice summery (oh please, please it must be here soon) piece of pop that made Phil enquire if Kirsty MacColl is actually dead - it sounds so much like her. Has lashings of the kind of guitars that MacColl used in the '80s (usually jangled by Johnny Marr). This isn't bad actually and if all else fails lead Darlin' Elizabeth Morris could always launch a career as back up vocalist for hire. The B side takes me back to a time where The Parachute Men ruled the earth with their whimsical girl fronted pop. This is a reasonable thing I think. Either way, the band have definitely moved on from the ropey word play and tweeness of their debut which I'm pleased about.

“Capricornia” is the first single from the eagerly anticipated second album from Allo Darlin’ entitled Europe (out in May). The band are also embarking on a full UK tour in February, so look out for their effervescent, fun-filled live show in a town near you. Achingly personal, incredibly poignant and familiar all at once, Elizabeth Morris’ songwriting has deepened and developed since their debut, and while the upcoming album may have a more sombre feel to it “Capricornia” shows that they’ve lost none of their ability to create sophisticated, intelligent pop music with an uplifting, joyous feel. And for those of you wondering exactly what Capricornia is all about, Elizabeth explains: “Capricornia is the area in Queensland that I'm from. It has imaginary state lines, roughly around the Tropic of Capricorn, which runs directly through my hometown. There's a nice 70s monument that marks the spot where the line passes, out on a lonely dirt road where all the kids learn how to drive. My family have lived in this area for over 6 generations but none of my generation remain. It’s a beautiful place. Musically, when we first discussed the album with our producer, I suggested that the feel of Europe should be somewhere between A New England by Kirsty Macoll and Cattle and Cane by The Go-Betweens. I think this song is the closest to that.” Having built up an intensely loyal and ever-increasing fanbase, Allo Darlin’s reputation has developed at its own pace, from just one girl strumming a ukulele to headlining London’s Scala and touring all over the world. In their brief lifetime they’ve toured the USA four times, played sold out shows across the UK, embarked on an epic five-week European tour, and wowed the crowds at both Indietracks and End of the Road festival. The band have also been strongly supported by BBC 6music, recording several sessions including one at the prestigious Maida Vale Studios as Steve Lamacq’s choice for BBC Introducing. Their self-titled debut was released to universal acclaim in 2010 with plaudits including being named No. 2 record of the year by online retailer eMusic and a glowing 1,200 word essay by legendary Go-Between Mr. Robert Forster in the Australian critical magazine, The Monthly. A slice of pure Aussie pop sunshine to brighten up the winter, “Capricornia” is proof that Allo Darlin’ will be one of THE bands to watch out for in 2012.

Richard Greenhalgh said:

Yes, I do like it. Saw them live at End Of The Road Festival 2011 and they were *really* good.

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