Low vs Diamond

Managed by The Killers manager and signed to The Killers original label after just one show Low vs Diamond released their debut EP on 5th February.

The band's three principal protagonists - LA residents singer Lucas Field, keyboard player Tad Moore and drummer Howie Diamond - produce music that marries a graceful elegance with rallying guitars.

Subject matter is thoughtful and reflective. Constantly sought out by his friends for life and relationship advice, front man Fields role as a confidante is perhaps what inspires his considered Brian Ferry-esque vocal style, and it certainly provides the themes for his songwriting. Whilst, in the background, Diamond is thrashing away with the backing band in the basement and Tad filling the space with swirling keyboards.

Lead track Life After Love is the epitome of this almost statesmanlike approach to frontmanship. The lyric hangs above the track at one remove from the sweeping pads and chiming, post-punk guitars that emerge surreptitiously throughout. As well as being a song about breaking up, it is contrarily also a song about getting together. As a young single guy you have a choice, contemplates Field. Am I going to give in to these feelings, even though I'm still young and theres so much other stuff I want to do and you have no idea how its going to change you.

Theres a slowly dripping venom in the subsequent tracks. Stay Awake tackles a close friends heroin addiction. This Is Your Life is less a commentary on missed opportunities, more a musical slap in the face, borne out of frustration at those who just let life happen. Field explains, A lot of the songs are messages aimed at people I know. I guess I can be quite judgmental, and thats maybe not so acceptable in real life, so I do it in songs. Last up is the bittersweet anthem ll Be.

With echoes of Roxy Musics disarming grace, the elusive pop of Bowie, and melodic sweep of Serge Gainsbourg, Low vs Diamond waltz in to deliver the musical equivalent of a sucker punch. An iron fist in a velvet glove.