Californian Soil

I discovered London Grammar last year after listening to them on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, and immediately purchased the first two albums (If You Wait and Truth Is A Beautiful Thing) which I really enjoyed and continue to enjoy. Like the first two albums, Californian Soil is just brilliant - Hannah Reid’s voice is so beautiful and as I mentioned in my previous reviews, reminds me of Freya Ridings who is also a massive talent.A lot of music artists tend to change direction when they reach their third album, but this doesn't seem to be the case with this album. It's different as you would expect, but not to the extent that you no longer recognise the band. Artists evolve over time and so does the music that they create. Experimentation becomes a key part which doesn't always work out, but it has here. I would go as far as saying that this third album is their best work yet, that's quite a bold statement to make given how good the previous two albums are. London Grammar have created something special here, and I'm hoping there is more to come in the not too distant future.The trio (Hannah Reid, Dominic 'Dot' Major and Dan Rothman) never disappoint me with their music and although Californian Soil was delayed in its release, it was well worth the extra wait. Highly recommended.

The first thing apparent with this third album from the trio is the expansion of the arrangements to include lush strings and more vocal backing on the tracks; it sacrifices some of the intimacy and rather “nocturnal” qualities of the earlier albums, but there's an undeniable spaciousness to the sound, which actually emphasises the clarity of Hannah Reid's vocals.Personally, the lyrics have never mattered that much to me with this group, other than the phrases that characterise the hooks in their best melodies - and so it is again with this album, but there are no negatives or regressive steps – it retains the high musical standards and qualities of beauty and atmosphere we`ve all grown to expect of them and each track is subtly and imaginatively realised.As is always the case with good music, the more one listens to it, the more it begins to get under one`s skin regardless of initial doubts.A fine album and logical progression from a group worth getting to know if one isn`t already a fan.The standard CD release has a playing time of just over 44 minutes.

I love listening to London Grammar School recordings - Hannah Reid's amazing vocals blend so well with the amazing keyboard sounds and drums of "Dot" Major and the perfect guitars of Dan Rothman. The music always resonating and the vocals often so raw in emotion.And yet this doesn't quite have me thinking "Oh I'll play that again" as the first two did. But that's not to say it won't in time, just not as instantly grabbing for me. But still brilliant.

Accurate description.

With their third album, they are on full form. If you liked the debut album, this is well worth adding to you collection.

I knew this was going to be good after hearing the intro. This needs recording on a loop as it is something else!.Can't fault this album. Well written, produced, performed by all the band.I am on my 3rd listening and it gets better and better.Don't take my word for it. Buy this album. I mean now. What are you waiting for, go on, off you go.....

What a beautiful sounding album from London Grammar, just perfect.

Great album arrived in good condition