Lavender Diamond – ‘The Cavalry of Light EP’ (Matador) Released 12/02/07

Lavender Diamond are one of those groups that give you hope.  The EP is perfectly composed of harmonies, instrumental blending of tambourines, acoustic guitar, violins, snare drums, piano, and let's not forget the soft, angelic voice of Becky Stark.  The first track 'You Broke my Heart' is a perfect opener, setting the tone of the album, which takes all the best bits of The Decemberists, Joanna Newsom, and Beirut.  Next up, 'Please’, is equally mesmerising -  Becky's operatic voice is so haunting, yet soft and comforting; the true signs of a versatile vocalist.  But it's not all about her; the instrumentalism is flawless as well.  Some songs are without percussion for entire minutes, emphasizing the classical side of the music.  In short, this folk-pop group has the power to make the whole world swoon.