Lilac Shadows - Shallow Madness EP (Diggup Tapes, 2012)

Lilac Shadows

Shallow Madness EP

Diggup Tapes

2012

Rating: 7 silent Japanese films out of 10

The Triangle seems to be churning out quality pop bands lately as if it was Athens in the mid-nineties, and Lilac Shadows are one of the newest top contenders.  I specifically mention Athens because I've gotten it stuck in my head that they remind me a lot of Apples in Stereo - not so much that the songs sound exactly the same, but the construction and vibe the tracks get off won't let me shake the comparison.  The music is a little dark, a little swirly, a little shoegaze, and even a little spacy, but all of that is just the window dressing for what are at their heart pure, catchy pop songs.  At times the vocal delivery reminds me of the Rosebuds, even if the voices themselves are pretty different.  The title track "A Shallow Madness" wormed it's way into my head after only a couple of listens, and there isn't a bad song in the bunch.  I could have probably done without the short between song instrumental bits, but it's a minor gripe. 

This is a hell of a debut, strong from start to finish and hopefully just the tip of the iceberg for what is to come.