FIVE years in the making, these 36 minutes have clearly been painstakingly put together by this New York collective.
Centred around the power pop flair of Dave Derby (sometime foil for Lloyd Cole), there is a host of minor stars (with Cole glowering at the firmament) but although getting all these names together extended the recording process, it doesn’t detract from the material. Cole and Joan As Policeman contribute the most memorable moments in their duet Beautiful Disguise, a more downbeat moment, but the clouds soon clear and Winter Light and Novemberlong could make its way on to any playlist for the beach.
There are other slower moments, Playing With Fire standing out, that reflect the love that has infused the work. Derby himself is a pretty strong songwriter, but there is no knock-out on display here, and he fails to stamp his personality on the record, which lessens its impact.
Ultimately, The Season Of Love is pleasant, but not particularly long-lasting; like watching the waves before reluctantly heading home.
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