Before this album came out, I was already well acquainted with the work of Larrikin Love; having seen them several times, and knowing them reasonably personally. I heard the album and, at first, had reservations over the re-recordings of the demos I had previously heard. However, these fears were later extinguished.
I think the album signifies an important change and shift in the priorities of the indie music scene. A movement from the decrepit and decaying focus on urban life, to the pastoral idyll and joy of the countryside; this representing the clear influence on Edward Larrikin, the lead singer and songwriter, of romanticism. Clear examples of this influence can be seen such as, 'send my love to the city, for I'll be having an affair this summer' and 'to prance and dance and sing around, which is not condoned in the centre of town'. However, the clearest example being the song entitled 'Little Boy Lost', not on the album, but a great song of theirs nevertheless; this song being the title of a poem by the romantic poet William Blake.
It must be said that it is not merely the lyrical content to the music, to which should be applauded. The lyrics are couple with jinky Irish influences, and the site of a violin or fiddle is not unknown by any means. These pogue-esque beats are what give the music its popular appeal.
When these beats and jigs (their words, not mine) are coupled with the romantic lyrics, as well as the charisma of Edward larrikin and the vibrancy of live performances, it is only able to see this band establishing a mainstream audience.
The highlights have to be `Happy as Annie', `Downing Street Kindling' and `Meet me by the Getaway Car'. However, the construction of the album as being split into the three subsections; 'Hate', 'Fairytale' and 'Freedom' are a delight themselves.
If you are at all interested in romanticism, the development of popular music or have an ear well adhered to the sound of an Irish fiddle, I would certainly buy this album.