LITTLE DRAGON - LITTLE DRAGON

I think I've talked about where I heard of this band before, but if I haven't, here's the origin story...  Wendy Melvoin of Wendy & Lisa, Prince And The Revolution fame mentioned this was a band she'd discovered and was really enjoying.  When I heard that, I decided to check them out and see if they were any good.  The very first song I heard from them is on this album and I loved it.  I loved it instantly.  The second song I previewed was also from this record and I loved it just as much.  From that point forward, I was hooked.  

As they've released subsequent records, I've been delightfully amazed at the ideas and music they've produced.  I look forward to more in the future.  This is a group I'm very excited about.

The album starts off with the small sounding 'Twice'.  Although it's a quiet and rather unexciting beginning, the lyrics of this song are quite powerful and amazing.  "Twice I turned my back on you.  I fell flat on my face but didn't lose."  The imagery of turning away from someone who is obviously important to you...  Seeing the negative fallout from the loss of that relationship and yet knowing inside, you ultimately made the right decision.  I have people in my life this song utterly describes and for that reason alone, I adore it.  It's a piano driven slice of perfection right at the start of this amazing record.

'Turn Left' is the second track and it's just as interesting.  The lead singer of the band is half Japanese, half Swedish and she has a style that is oddly cultural and jazzy at the same time.  As a vocalist, no one would classify her in a category with Patti LaBelle or Celine Dion, but she's got a style that is evocative and soothing.  On this track, she seems to push an idea forward about identity and trying to find connection with others.  In the faces of those around her.

'No Love' is another song with powerful and compelling lyrics.  Just hearing someone say the things she says in this song would be emotionally devastating.  The minimalist arrangements throughout are very dramatic and although they are listed and classified as an electronic band, they're more like a jazz quartet.  The music is free and seems to flow in an unrestricted fashion.  quite different from the structured and finely timed sound of electronica.

'Recommendation' is a more upbeat track and it's another one fans will be drawn to.  It has more interesting lyrics and will make you fall in love with what the band is trying to create.  It's followed by the first track I ever heard from them, 'Constant Surprises'.  This one has a beat like you wouldn't believe.  It's subtle and sturdy.  Comes in quickly and establishes a momentum the tune doesn't deviate from.  The lyrics are built around an almost metaphysical experience with the physical world and how the singer views these happenings with wonder and amazement.  She draws you in with her vocals and you feel like you're falling into her life.

Once again, the soft thud of bass drums fills the speakers until the main body of 'Forever' kicks in.  When she finally comes in, Yukimi (the lead singer) delivers her most interesting and diverse vocal arrangement thus far.  This is an intensely driven song and there's a Japanese quality to it.  An almost Asian sound in certain notes used to punctuate specific ideas.

'After The Rain' is up next and it's another track that more upbeat and faster paced.  Like many of the tracks we've heard so far, it relies heavily on acoustic instruments with the electronic sounds backing up and helping strengthen the material.  It all works in a fine collaboration.

'Place To Belong' is a more melancholy number and it's built around a rising and falling scale played over a slow beat.  Once again, the emphasis is on the vocals, lyrics and the effect of them combined together.  It's followed by 'Stormy Weather'.  This is one is played on a keyboard, but it almost sounds like Yukimi singing along with a stand up bass being played softly beside her.  There's a whimsical sadness to this number.  It's like seeing something written on paper so thin you can see the light through it.  You can see past the sound of her vocals and feel the emotions she's expressing.

'Test' is probably one of the better fast numbers on this disc.  It's got a great beat and you can really get caught up in the song.  Once again, the vocals and lyrics are right on target.  'Wink' is probably my favorite track on the disc itself.  This one features a funky deep beat and a more complicated vocal arrangement that really shows off Yukimi's vocal talents.  Once again, there's an unmistakable Asian sound in the music.  But it's driving and quite powerful.

'Scribbled Paper' closes out the album and it's another acoustically dominate track.  Like most of the material on this disc, Little Dragon have created a minimalist sound and packed it with meaning, great melodies and arrangements that make each track powerful on their own.  What they've achieved here is nothing short of dynamic and worth listening to.  It s a hybrid combination of electronic art and jazz/soul.  If there is a band pushing boundaries in musical forms, this is it.  You just can't go wrong listening to this record.

My final words are gushing and all over the place:  THE BEST FRESHMAN DEBUT EVER!  CAN'T BE TOPPED AND AMAZINGLY UNIQUE!  A NEW SOUND FOR A NEW WORLD!

LITTLE DRAGON - LITTLE DRAGON
01. Twice
02. Turn Left
03. No Love
04. Recommendation
05. Constant Surprises
06. Forever
07. After The Rain
08. Place To Belong
09. Stormy Weather
10. Test
11. Wink
12. Scribbled Paper