Review Summary: A summer breeze...
I’m not exactly sure who Diego Garcia is, but this album tells me everything I need to know about him. The hopeless romantic crafts for us nine ballads on his solo debut, simply titled
Laura; and a sublime tropical breeze can be felt as each breathy verse and effortless strum slowly transports your perceptions to the painted blue skies and gorgeous, shimmering waters that grace the cover…and all just in time for summer.
Sure, further research would reveal Garcia to be the singer/songwriter for NYC indie-pop outfit Elefant…but I didn’t find that listening to his back catalogue added anything to the experience that is
Laura. Maybe I am just an overemotional sap, but the concept of an album named entirely after one girl is just plain romantic. That romanticism could go either way though, because it also sounds like something a middle school emo band would do…but what Garcia creates here is so pure and ethereal that you have no choice but to believe that every note, beat, and lyric is dug straight from the depths of his unrequited love-stricken heart. Songs like ‘Inside My Heart’ and ‘Laura’ are enough in themselves to prove the album’s sincerity, and they also mark instrumental highlights by way of the atmospheric guitars and splendid vocal melodies. The whole album sounds so carefree and chill, inviting a slow ride with the windows down or maybe even an afternoon under the sun whilst laying on a soft patch of green grass. The imagery is ever present, soaking up the listener’s senses and then raining down on him /her with colorful, one-of-a-kind indie pop.
Laura is basically the summer love album that you always wanted to write, but couldn’t. Its sound is heavily rooted in acoustic guitars, and the vocals and overall sound are accessible enough to be enjoyed in almost any setting.
Laura will capture your attention every bit as much as the real Laura captivated Diego Garcia. Immerse yourself in her beauty, and hopefully you will be inspired to similar heights.
