ALBUM: My Maudlin Career
ARTIST: Camera Obscura
LABEL(S): Beggars Group, 4AD



On April 20, 2009, Camera Obscura released their fourth LP of a thirteen year run, My Maudlin Career. Staying true to their “indie-pop” sound, the album is surprisingly consistent. The Scottish band’s singer, Tracyanne Campbell, has a sonorous voice that has a way of gracefully floating over the whimsy instrumentals. The album’s songs mix folk and 50’s pop with outlandish lyrics that are doubtlessly understood as relationship woes. The numerous chaotic string arrangements shape catchy melodies that will make a merry-go-round of your head. The lofty sounds can be compared to those of Belle and Sebastian, who are also from Glasgow, Scotland and are without a doubt an influence to the band. The album is proof that Camera Obscura is still able to spit out notable work, once more contributing to the era of independent pop music.

REVIEWED BY MIRANDA B. SERENE