Much has been made about the fact that Christopher Owen was raised in the Children of God cult. Not allowed to listen to music other than that which was made by the other members of the group, Owen fed his musical hunger through the movies he watched without restriction, picking up his musical influences through soundtracks.
On Album the band is unfettered by convention, free to divulge in whatever resonates for that particular song. Perhaps that’s an extension of the infamous drug-fuelled recording sessions that lead to Album; perhaps it’s simply finding a pace that works. Album bears some the crunchy fuzz mark of the lo-fi/no-fi coming out of the California music scene lately, but make no mistake here: Girls’ take on the scene is far more melodic and appealing than what’s come before them this year.
Lyrically, the songs are about, well, girls. And drinking and smoking and dancing and anything else that a formerly repressed twentysomething should sing about. Unlike their regional compatriots, however, Girls seem far less pretentious when writing a dozen songs about it. This is what they like, what they are like – regardless of whether anyone thinks it’s cool. If it’s all a show, they’ve sold me on it. It works in its entirely. The result is an album that feels familiar – because in a way it is – and updated at the same time.
My favorite tracks are the first two on the album – “Lust for Life” and “Laura.” Taken back-to-back, they provide a base for everything that comes after them on Album. Whether longing for affection, beach houses or simply for a pizza, Mr. Owen is singing about exactly what any man needs.
For having been trained at his current craft via the art of soundtrack, it’s fitting that Mr. Owen’s debut will define many a summer from here on. Album stretches out, long and straight ahead toward the horizon.
Girls – Lust For Life (mp3) from Album
Girls – Laura (mp3) from Album
Interestingly enough I agree, the first two tracks are my favorites as well.