The pop side of indie rock, as we know it in 2006, is defined by the lovely folk pop leanings of
Sufjan Stevens and
Joanna Newsom; with their tender-hearted wit and impeccable talent for composing some of the decade's most ambitious work, they've made indie music for a second generation. They're overachievers in the most charming way, kind of like that kid in high school who liked
the Smiths, worshipped
Jack Kerouac, and graduated valedictorian. Newcomer
Becky Stark is one of those too, and as the vocalist for the Los Angeles-based
Lavender Diamond, she will make you a believer just as
Stevens and
Newsom have. But
Stark will do it with grace, just as her influences (
Linda Ronstadt,
Carole King) did before her. The songs found on
The Cavalry of Light EP come alive as if it was recorded in the '70s, flowing with illustrious string arrangements, sepia-toned acoustic guitars, and soft piano-driven melodies, resonating the simple touch and perfect beauty of
Karen Dalton,
Emmylou Harris, and
the Band.
Stark's lilting performance on songs such as "Please" and "Rise in the Springtime" showcase how true and real
Stark is to her craft. As a vocalist, no one would ever accuse her of trying too hard, for it's
Stark's poetic blend of rich lyrical reflections that make this a beautiful introduction to
Lavender Diamond. Just one listen to the blissful country-folk tinges of " "You Broke My Heart," and
Lavender Diamond will have you daydreaming of those idyllic moments where love seemed too good to be true.