Loves - December Boy

by Fiona Hutchings

published: 12 / 11 / 2010

Label: Fortuna POP!
Format: 7"

intro

Timeless-sounding, Phil Spector-influenced new single from Cardiff-based indie pop group, the Loves

After ten years, four Peel sessions and around thirty four band members, Cardiff-based the Loves finally have a woman vocalist at the helm in the shape of the aptly named Jenna Love. If Phil Spector hadn't started murdering woman and still controlled them from behind his mixing desk of pop power, 'December Boy' might have been created by him. The Loves have captured that truly timeless sound of the Supremes, the Shirelles and the Ronettes. Striking a good balance between the old and new can be problematic but 'December Boy' does bridge the gap. The only thing it lacks is a truly solid hook. It is so very close but not quite there and takes more than one listen to really establish a presence. It is beautifully sung. Multi-layered vocals make it sound like there is a whole shubyduby choir in your room and lively piano puts pay to any risk of intrepidness.

Track Listing:-

1 December Boy
2 Bubblegum

Band Links:-

http://www.simonlove.org
http://www.facebook.com/simonloverules
http://www.twitter.com/simonloverules

Label Links:-

http://www.fortunapop.com/
https://twitter.com/fortunapop
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fortuna-POP/202756739792517

Have a Listen:-

interviews

Interview (2007)

Simon Love, the front man with bubblegum punks the Loves, has hired and fired nearly 30 musicians since forming the Loves in his parents' garage in 2000. Sarah Maybank speaks to him about this and his group's much acclaimed second album the Loves

Interview (2002)

live reviews

Toynbee Arts Cafe, London, 21/2/2003

With their debut album out shortly, Cardiff's the Loves are one of the great hopes of British indie pop. Gary Wollen finds their "crash, bang, wallop concoction of the coolest 60's underground chic" and "Bubblegum accessibility" to be irresistible

London Betsey Trotwood, 24/5/2002