LOST IN VANCOUVER - MEADOWS
Alex Matthew
Edinburgh-based four piece “Lost in Vancouver” return with their sixth single, second with the current line up, for a joyous and sweet love letter to youthful romance in the capital.
In a recent appearance on ‘East Coast FM’, Jake Morgan, lead-singer and frontman of “Lost in Vancouver”, showed his cheeky and affable personality is not only present in his music but in his relaxed smiling demeanour also. Among several other short stories shared, Morgan recounted one particularly charming anecdote centred on the composition of “Rose in Retrospect” which occurred atop Arthur’s seat following a mysterious encounter with one or two bottles of red wine. This only furthers the impression of his love and adoration for the city which he describes and recounts so delicately in his songwriting. Morgan was accompanied by a grinning lead guitarist, Lachlan Will, for the interview and a true sense of brotherly affection can be felt between the pair, which would explain the superb interplay between each individual section of the band on their latest release.
Originally from Kirkcaldy in Fife, “Lost in Vancouver” were formed over five years ago, all the way back in 2013. However in their first four years of existence their output was limited with only a quartet of singles being released, averaging one a year from 2015 onwards. Despite the band not being as prolific as one might have wished, it has to be said that each song not only felt well-crafted but was coated in touching honesty and established Morgan’s talent for writing intimate but catchy lyrics which prove even more rewarding for those who returned for repeat listens. “Lost In Vancouver” appeared to be a band that were steadily building up a catalogue of playful tunes focused on life in Scotland’s capital and so you couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened at the news the band’s previous form would cease to exist almost entirely with a new lineup coming into place for early 2018.
Only the aforementioned lead singer/songwriter and rhythm guitarist Jake Morgan remained, along with his aptitude for delightful lyricism and wordplay which graced the band’s previous releases. He should also be praised for his stellar recruitment, strengthening a lineup which already appeared more than worthy to stand among the band’s fellow counterparts of the Edinburgh music scene. Bringing in Lachlan Will on lead guitar and backing vocals, Scott Keating on Bass and Tom Lawrence on drums were all worthy additions, each with previous experience performing in other musical endeavours. As a result, despite limited time playing together, the band feel comfortable and work effectively as a unit. Unlike other indie-rock bands each piece of the puzzle feels equally important, lose one corner of the group and the whole thing could well collapse in on itself.
Thankfully there doesn’t seem to be much chance of this occurring if the two singles they have recently released are anything to go off. Whilst their latest effort, “Meadows”, may not quite reach the heights of the previous single, “Pinot Noir”, it is still an enjoyable upbeat tune focusing on student life in Edinburgh and serves as a strong addition to an already sturdy catalogue of charming tracks.
As previously stated, each member of “Lost in Vancouver” is as key to the group’s success as the next. “Meadows” in particular feels driven by Lawrence’s wild and energetic drumming style which powers the song out of the gate like a greyhound bursting onto the track. This is well accompanied by Will’s tuneful “get up and dance” guitar melodies and an effective bass line provided by Keating which adds to the constant building sensation of the track. Yet again it is Morgan’s wonderful lyricism which stands out and serves as a bedrock which the rest of the band can build upon and complement. He understands what several of his peers in fellow bands do not, often the more specific the lyrics the more relatable they become. He has no desire to lay down cliche-ridden worn verses but instead conjures up evocative imagery surrounding the personal subject of the song and the city of Edinburgh, the constant subject of his infatuations.
Throughout the song, homage is paid to local markers of the capital such as “The Meadows”, hence the title, in Morgan’s usual affectionate and honest manor. Furthermore he builds an authentic character for the subject of the tune via his provocative and tender wordplay, this being a young female student he falls head over heels for. It’s a scenario that will feel worryingly close to home for many of the band’s fans which of course explains why it is “Lost in Vancouver” are known for their powerful relatability.
Alas this single falls just short of the high water mark set by the new line up’s previous effort for a couple of small reasons.
Despite Morgan’s ever-present expressive vocal style they are still yet to achieve a moment which possesses the same level of emotional rawness present on the band’s chorus from debut single “Juliet”. As the Lothian lyricist croons; “I wanna come alive with you” his pain is not just heard but radiates though the listener like vibrations from a live performance as his ragged vocals cry out in spectacular fashion accompanied by the rest of the unit’s smashing sounds. Yet it should be noted that “Meadows” is perhaps the song which comes closest to this when he hurtles through the line; “You got me, promising I’ll give you everything”. Like much of his work it carries an intense air of emotional resonance accompanied by, in this case, painful honesty. It is however his delivery of the line which packs the most effective punch, he speedily races through it and is in a sense almost tossing it aside. He’s sweeping it under the carpet. This intelligently reflects our common nature to discard mistaken drunken promises from the night before. It’s a minuet but genius detail and demonstrates the rewarding quality the lyrics of “Lost in Vancouver” offer to those who adore discovering beautiful features like this on repeat listening.
Sometimes the sound could do with being left a little rougher around the edges, it’s not overproduced by any means but just feels a little too clean and perhaps polished in some places. This is no fault of Keating or Will, who’s clean cut guitar playing is admirable and just as important at creating the driving pulse of the song as Lawrence’s fantastic heart attack inducing drums. However you find yourself craving a riff more along the lines of the band’s last release, “Pinot Noir”, something a little harsher with a bit of grit and an effective bite to it. After all the streets of the Lothian canvas Morgan paints his lyrical pictures on are far from sparkling.
Nevertheless despite some minor flaws, “Meadows” earns an honourable place amongst the band’s former releases as a result of it’s infectious, joyous tone, the group’s ability to complement and play off each other beautifully and Morgan’s heartfelt lyrics which are draped in swathes of love and admiration for both his dearly beloved capital and the subject of the song’s affection.
When comparing it alongside past singles such as “Pinot Noir”, “Rose in Retrospect” and particularly “Taxi” you begin to seem a common theme develop and perhaps what could be considered the aim of the group. This being to create feel good indie-rock music which not only offers up relatable, heartfelt lyrics but smoothly weaves in carefully handcrafted imagery surrounding their adopted city. If they continue with these honest intentions one would be far from surprised to see a record deal emerge in the not so distant future for the capital’s finest wee quartet. After all who wouldn’t want to listen to an album which offers up infectious, cheeky melodies set against the lyrical backdrop of Scotland’s most beautiful city?
