Loomer “Songs of the Wild West Island” (Newtone Records 2006)

Loomer give us a quirky Alt. Country album with many a twist. Great stuff

With an opening that would do Jeff Tweedy proud, “Songs of the Wild West Island” flowers into a world-weary, folk-inspired country rock album that works on pretty much all levels.

Superficially, it’s a great solid album to hear, the songs are winners with the right amount of musical edge to add the salt and pepper. Scratch beneath the surface and the lyrics are insightful, sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, and always interesting: “You were born with a caramel heart/ Soft and warm and sticky…” being a perfect example of the quirkiness within. Perhaps more “Ivor Cutler” than “Steve Earle”, but this is by no means a bad thing.

Perhaps one of the highlights of the album (save perhaps “Old Grey Ford”, a song about a car and a two-headed calf) is the delicate, soulful duet, “Only Lovers”, featuring Sarah Harmer, whose performance on this song elevates an already blissful tune to the sublime.

Not surprisingly, this album is picking up critical acclaim left right and centre. Like they say, if a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well, and Loomer are clearly adhering to that maxim.

Date review added:  Monday, October 30, 2006
Reviewer:  Sian Claire Owen
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  Band Website