If there's an iPod plugged into the sound system at the Gates of Heaven, it is most likely playing The Pierces catalog on constant rotation. Their lush, deep harmonies are as exquisite as ever on this new EP - but this isn't lightweight Lilith Fair fare. The Pierces are sexy, sensuous, dangerous and playful; their albums are exquisite storm clouds parted by blasts of blinding sunshine; their music vibrantly swirls indie rock, new wave, tango, folk, power pop and country.
The Love You More EP is hopefully a preview of album #4. The title track opens with a sinister electric guitar line before kicking into a rhythm that evokes a hell-bent road trip. We Are Stars is dreamier affair - a brisk beat and a haunting guitar line dance with the sisters' angelic voices. To The Grave - oddly enough - is the brightest, most joyous track on the album by adding mandolin and ukulele into the mix. We Can Make It recalls the retro girl group dreaminess from the movie-set scene in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive.
While Allison and Catherine Pierce are the show, the secret weapons of this EP are Rik Simpson and Guy Berryman who are credited as producers under the name The Darktones. Each vocal part and instrument is crisply recorded and mixed - it is such a sonic treat.
Fans who discovered the band through their theme song to Pretty Little Liars, the promos on Dexter, or their delicious breakthrough single "Boring" will be thrilled with this latest treasure. And if you have yet to discover The Pierces' brilliant album "Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge" - I urge you to download it ASAP.
Total running time is just a hair over 12 minutes - a tasty snack to hold us over until dinner is served - hopefully not too long into 2011.
Note: This review also appears on my Amazon.US page. I bought the CD through the UK site - well worth the import price.
