Love, Sex And Death Etc

Welsh indie pop maestro Simon Love stays in the sweet spot on Love, Sex & Death Etc., his third solo outing. By openly acknowledging his thematic triumvirate in the albums title, listeners more or less know what to expect in terms of tone and subject matter. Love has made a career of playing the wry, smart pop ladies man, cloaking his romantic entanglements, trysts, and foibles in cleverly arranged, retro-inclined arrangements that often punch above their weight. Between revved-up rockers like "Me and You" and deftly chorded pop fanfares like "The Fuck Up" he flashes his melodic chops while staying well within the comfort zone of his chosen character. Many of the songs have a loose and jangling feel that flirts with country music, albeit more like early Bee Gees than Americana. High points include the barnstorming "North Road" with its punchy brass section and sassy duet vocals. Like his first two albums, Love, Sex & Death Etc. is tightly crafted and thoughtfully paced, covering much of the same thematic ground. ~ Timothy Monger