Debut album from eight piece My Little Problem who contain a long list of slightly out of the norm instrumentalists including cello, banjo, laptop, trumpet etc. Leaning heavily toward a indie country folk style this album rises and falls in quality from the emotive ‘This Time Of Year’ to the why-bother moments of a couple of one minute interludes that only serve to get in the way of some tidy eclectic songwriting.
‘This Time Of Year’ is led by a haunted harmonica throughout which is reminiscent of some of the early Oasis moments. An inspiring six minutes about meeting an ex soon after a break-up just confirms why we all listen to music, a really great track. This is the template that My Little Problem needs to use elsewhere.
The variety and use of instruments on show is tasteful and uncluttered, leaving the songwriting and melodies to do the hard work. Alternative vocalists also provide quality support and the airy ‘Listen In’ builds to a climatic thrash and then down again via some beautifully arranged strings. Another small gem amongst the coals.
Overall eight or nine tracks may have have been better than the final twelve as the underwhelming fillers only stifle the polished and satisfying feel of the quality that can be found in here.
