That’s how you know God has a sense of humour. It’s cold and wet outside and an EP called “Summer” ends up on your desk. However, I can see God being right keen on Larkin Poe and letting them away with causing calendar confusion in this part of the world.
“Summer” follows on from their previous EP “Spring” and gives us more of the same, only more so if that makes sense. Larkin Poe again place themselves at the polished end of the Americana spectrum with the kind of musically virtuous performances that quickly endear themselves to your ears and, of course, the tasteful vocal excellence of Rebecca and Megan Lovell is present and correct to provide the sonic icing on the cake. This time round, however, the songs are starting to shine much more brightly with the commercial charms of the sinuous “Enough For You” making that drive home so much more pleasurable. Not content to rest on the laurels of the inevitable Dixie Chicks comparisons, Larkin Poe even manage to squeeze in an effective stylistic diversion with “By The Pier“ displaying the sequined style of the torch singer (a remarkably credible effort too, for one so young).
They sound good and they look good making it hard to see how Larkin Poe can fail with this release. While “Summer” does give more of the same, there are clear signs that they are nowhere near the limit of their musical development. I look forward with anticipation to their next season and, for now, I remain distinctly charmed by them.