Luluc's latest album, Sweet Thief, is a captivating exploration of brevity and depth in music. The band, consisting of Zoë Randell and Steve Hassett, has crafted an album that feels like a journey through a speculative world where everything is half its size. Each song on the album is a delicate, fully detailed masterpiece, ranging from just a couple of minutes to a more expansive four minutes. This succinctness is a testament to Luluc's skill in capturing complex emotions and musical ideas in a limited time frame.
One of the standout tracks, 'Honeyeater', is a transfixing piece that draws comparisons to early Leonard Cohen. Hassett's tenacious acoustic guitar figure, oozing low strings, and a big oily bass create a stark and dusky atmosphere. This song, along with others like 'Which Way Now', unfolds spindly tunes into deeper geometries, showcasing Luluc's ability to create intricate musical landscapes.
Luluc's music is often associated with a twee aesthetic, drawing inspiration from various sources such as England in the '60s, California in the '70s, and Glasgow around Y2K. Randell's singing style, reminiscent of Nico's deadpan murmur, Karen Carpenter's dreamy virtuosity, and the wafting Georgia side of Yo La Tengo, adds a layer of calm and gorgeous harmonies to the music. These influences create a unique sound that is both familiar and fresh.
The album's creation process is also intriguing. Sweet Thief was partly recorded before and after Luluc left Brooklyn to return to their hometown, Melbourne, for a year. During this time, their friend J Mascis added percussion, channeling the ramshackle precision of Dirty Three's Jim White. This collaboration adds a new dimension to the album, showcasing Luluc's adaptability and willingness to experiment.
Luluc's lyrics, while sometimes criticized for their didactic quality, add a layer of depth to the album. The song 'Wanna Get Free' features preachers and pharmaceutical prophets, but it is balanced by more lighthearted and playful lyrics in other tracks. This contrast between the overdone and the understated is a signature of Luluc's music, and it adds to the overall appeal of Sweet Thief.
In a world saturated with content, Luluc's respect for the listener's time is commendable. Sweet Thief packs a satisfying breadth of experience and emotional heft in just 26 minutes. This album is a testament to the band's skill in creating captivating music that leaves a lasting impression, even in its brevity.
