7"
Lovely intergenerational two artist/four song split 7" from Baltimore's DIY hotbed. If both artists are drinking from the same well, they metabolise the source a little differently. Linda Smith has been an avid pursuant of home recording for several decades, and her songwriting continues to evolve in the context of such creative freedom. These two synth led micro ballads touch on both European minimal wave elan (think prime Les Disques du Crépuscule) and pensive autumnal introspection that speak clearly to the private universe Smith seems to be constantly at work in (re-)shaping. On the reverse, The Smashing Times shimmy, strut and jangle with modish glee and obvious style, and provide further evidence that their hot run of three stellar albums probably isn't coming to an end anytime soon. A charm-laced statement from all sides.
FFO: Carol, Karen Marks, Television Personalities, The Times
