Larsen B may be named after an Antarctic ice shelf but the band actually hails from the slightly warmer climbs of Hertfordshire. After releasing two EPs – 2007’s The Treasured Memories of Cecil Element and 2008’s Marilyn, the band is ready to unleash its debut album Musketeer onto the music industry.
Having never heard anything from Larsen B before we weren’t sure what the album was going to sound like. Is it another faceless rock band churning out heavy riffs and no substance? Maybe it’s the next in a long line of soundalike pop records that didn’t ever need recording? Thankfully it’s neither of these two things and instead sits firmly in the alternative category. Mixing a variety of sounds the band effortlessly fuses indie sensibilities with strong melodies to craft songs that beg for your attention and reward you for listening. Album opener Codeine switches between sparse jangly melodies and soaring choruses immediately holding your attention making you eager to hear what the rest of the record has to offer.
Despite being recorded with no major label backing or high-tech equipment Musketeer sounds beautiful. Often understated but never dull the album is proof that you don’t need to spend lots of money to make decent music. The banjo melodies of the soft Atlantis sound refreshing, the live feel of Red Indians & Witches takes direction from The Beatles’ harmony style and Stitch provides the album’s most radio-friendly offering.
The best moment comes on the fantastically named Robots Learn To Love. The mid-tempo track takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the future and features a great vocal from the band’s lead singer Paddy Smith.
Something else we like about Musketeer is the fantastic artwork. Using oil painting The Peaceable Kingdom by Edward Hicks, the gatefold packaging is really eye-catching and looks fantastic.
Musketeer is a surprising and enjoyable album. Not at all what we expected from the cover art, the record is a confident, accomplished and artistically beautiful piece of work. If only more bands like Larsen B could breakthrough into the mainstream charts so we don’t have to endure the over-polished tosh that many major labels push out week-on-week.
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