Buen Chico - Our Love’s Enormous

Before we get started and even mention the music it’s worth noting that the artwork for this release is something really quiet special. With debate over the future of the physical music release raging, to see something such as the second album by Buen Chico, where so much love and effort has been put into the artwork, is refreshing. The sleeve folds out to reveal the disc inside, with a complete set of lyrics and drawings, it’s gorgeous.

So, what about the music then? Well, as might well be guessed from the title, it’s in the vain of old style ‘indie’ – you know, the type that’s often referred to as twee. Although truth be told, it’s actually infinitely better than a pigeonhole such as this, and much more varied than this implies. Fuzzy guitar riffs that recall Supergrass during ‘I Should Coco’ are bolted to fast paced artrock rhythm sections on songs that ooze as much charm as that artwork.

Definite highlight is ‘This Party’, with the lyrics “If a picnic in the park with your favourite boy or girl doesn’t sound like the best thing in the world, then you should know there’s something wrong”. It helps that this is the album opener, as it brings the listener is, whilst providing a great example of the feel of the album and an idea of what the band are about. ‘Baptized’ is another brilliant track, adding a violin to the mix and alternating pace constantly, like a downbeat Los Campesinos!, whilst following song ‘Rag & Bone Man’ is, in complete contrast, fast and scuzzy.

The only trouble with ‘Our <3’s Enormous’ is that the style of vocals doesn’t vary much across the album (aside from the fantastic a’capella harmonies of ‘There Is No Machine’). It’s not that there’s anything wrong with Morgan’s voice, far from it. It’s just that over the course of the entire album it becomes a little samey. Overall however, it’s a delightful if not particularly original album that will please fans of old time indie-pop and anyone who appreciates brilliantly written songs.