Memphis - A Little Place In The Wilderness

It’s very rare when the wife and I agree on music, but we both must acknowledge the fact that Torquil Campbell has got to be the most pleasant sounding voice in indie rock. His other band Stars is one of our current favourites, and the first time we saw them live (in an intimate club in Hamilton) still ranks among one of our best live experiences ever. That’s why, while waiting for a new Stars album, the sophomore release by Memphis, entitled “A Little Place In The Wilderness” is just we needed to tie us over.

Memphis is basically Torquil on lead vocals with his long time friend Chris Dumont on guitar and harmonies. James Shaw (Metric) joins in on bass, trumpet and some drums and Josh Troger (Sam Roberts Band) also plays the drums. For the most part, Stars fans will also enjoy Memphis. Obviously the absence of a female presence does make this a slightly different (and perhaps less pleasing for some) listening experience, but Torq’s gift for melody, as well as his highly articulate poetic lyricism is still very much intact. Most of the album falls into a mellow indie-pop vibe, but there are a few deviations. “Incredibly Drunk on Whisky” is a silly but fun little ditty, that feels like a real throwback to 40’s style jazz, complete with Barney Bigard-like clarinet playing. “Time Away” is an airy number, capable of lulling one to dreamland. The album also contains a mildly interesting instrumental number in the vein of something off of “Pet Sounds” entitled “Shadows and Amazons.” The best song however, happens to be the first single. It’s an obvious choice called “I’ll Do Whatever You Want” which is very Arts & Crafty and should satisfy all of the fans of the BSS world.

Download:
I’ll Do Whatever You Want mp3

Memphis on myspace.
Purchase “A Little Place In The Wilderness” on Amazon.ca.
Watch the video for “I’ll Do Whatever You Want” on youtube.