Album Review: London Grammar, Californian Soil

As indicated by the title, the third album by English indie-pop trio London Grammar has a thematic focus on the US, oddly one of the few territories in which they haven’t enjoyed huge success.

It’s debatable whether Californian Soil will facilitate Stateside stardom either, as it lacks a conspicuous hit, but it still makes for a very enjoyable listen. Whether exploring trip-hop rhythms on the title-track, torch song atmospherics on ‘Lose Your Head’, or stirring electro on ‘Missing’, London Grammar show immaculate taste.

The group’s MVP remains vocalist and lyricist Hannah Reid, who compellingly explores themes of feminism and fame throughout the record. Reid delivers an absolutely scorching critique of toxic masculinity on the epic ‘Lord It’s A Feeling’: “I saw how you laughed behind her back when you fucked someone else.”

Though it perhaps lacks a major anthem to give it – in Spinal Tap’s phrase – that final push over the edge, Californian Soil will be warmly received by both the London Grammar faithful and art-pop aficionados generally.

Listen / order here.