Woke up one morning and found myself in France only I didn’t know it was France. That would be a good, if long, title for a song but the thought equally applied to Secret Season’s album "On Our Own". I’ve not got a lot of biographical information on this duo other than to say they are apparently from France and the conspirators are Mark Moogalian and Isabelle Risacher.
Somewhat unusually, all the songs on this album are in English and are very much in the style of an underground American rock band of the late eighties. "Be Still", for example, could easily bear comparison with something from Timbuk 3's catalogue and while Mr Moogalian's voice dominates throughout, it is the subtly ethereal harmonies of Ms Risacher elegantly drifting around in the background that actually provide the sonic appeal. A case of the sum exceeding the value of the individual parts? Indeed it is.
There's a nice obliqueness to the lyrics as well with the understated "All The Money Says" getting its message across in fine style. Showing similar style is "Dusk Till Dawn" that turns out to be a proper rock song but the star turn is the bluesy "Sometimes I Wonder". Here's where this duo show their true colours. The harmonies are sweet, the guitars dirty right up and the song strikes a match and sets fire to any accusations of mediocrity.
Let down a bit by the limitations inherent in low budget recordings, Secret Season nevertheless make their mark here.