These Dubliners might be on a roll, with their embrace of West Coast country rock pop and reaping music press rewards along the way; their first EP Santa Cruz was hailed as the debut of year by The Sunday Times. They also courted favour from Morrissey, supporting him at his Royal Albert Hall gig.
The band then decamped to LA, and in doing so, have tried to incorporate a summery California breeze into their tunes. Unfortunately, they haven't and this single is decidedly dull. True, it's cheery and has a certain fluidity, but apart from that, there's not a lot to it. Chirpy chorus, chirpy verse, and the lyrics are so unobtrusive as to be completely uninteresting.
Just by mentioning Big Sur doesn't evoke clear blue skies and Highway 101 in a convertible. It's about a feel, lushness, a tradition. I'm always up for being transported back to the lovely la la land, but this does not do it and irritates in its half hearted attempt.
more