Lawrence Arabia – The Sparrow
- By Erica Rakowicz -
- Jul 09, 2012
With his airy voice and emphasis on all things instrumental, Lawrence Arabia’s ‘The Sparrow’ is the kind of album that should be accompanied by a tall glass of lemonade. Its peaceful melodies and tranquil harmonies combine to evoke a calm atmosphere.
The lyrics and meanings behind each song reflects the anxious changing man James Milne, known musically as Lawrence Arabia, was during his transition into the third decade of his life.
The Sparrow opens with ‘Travelling Shoes’, a song that’s tune fits perfectly onto a front porch swing, allowing passersby’s to strut to a song that tributes movement itself.
The first few tracks on the album set the tone for the collective work, showcasing Milne’s different feelings toward his recent stages in life. Some tunes, like 'Lick Your Wounds' and 'The 03', are a bit eerier. Lick Your Wounds has a darker tone, bringing a dim sweetness to the playlist. During The 03, Milne croons, “You’ll never make it out there.”
'The Bisexual' is a brilliant combination of brass sounds, which takes the listener to a swankier place in time. 'The Listening Times' is reminiscent of Milne’s sophomore album, 'Chant Darling', full of folk and sprinkled with country twang.
Milne’s work has progressed in the way that it got a touch more complicated while the ideology behind it remains simple. His lyrics have gotten less quirky and his music has evolved into something he tries to make a full performance out of. It breaks free of his original mold, allowing him to make a musical change and cut ties from touring monotony.
The lyrics for The Sparrow were drawn from his moments of boredom and bouts of anxious feelings paired with plenty of time through his touring schedule. The album shifts from uplifting twinkly tunes to spiteful mixes, but holds a central calming mood overall.
Milne’s need for change and reluctance to dive into his 30’s is creatively confirmed through The Sparrow, making the best of an uncertain event.
Since his album transitions are quite noticeable with carefully crafted changes, Milne’s third album could surely be a world different than his self titled one in 2006.
In fact, it may incorporate fire breathing dragons and hoop jumping, if his upcoming tour gives him any boredom like the last time.
6/10
By Erica Rakowicz. Blogs at enrswords.wordpress.com/ and tweets at @ericaNrak
