National Music Reviews
Big Deal
June Gloom
Mute Artists
Street: 05.31
Big Deal = Summer Camp + Slow Club
Though it opens on a gloomy note (which had me worried I was reviewing another downtrodden shoegaze album) with “Golden Light,” the album quickly morphs into cutesy upbeat dream pop that borders on twee. The way Kacey Underwood and Alice Costelloe share the vocal spotlight is reminiscent of Los Campensinos!, but without the attitude or over-the-top accents. The end of the album does get a bit darker, and the vocal responsibilities shift more to soft-spoken male vocalist Underwood. “Pristine” and “Close Your Eyes” are bummer endings for a short, fun fling. Dark or upbeat, the songs are cool and intriguing. –Cody Hudson