Weightlifters - O My Stars

The Weightlifters are not a band, but a one man singer/songwriter outfit from Chicago-based Adam McLaughlin. Listening to him, it appears there is no instrument he can’t play and no boundary to his vocal talent. It’s not often that I love something so mellow the first time I listen to it, but this EP grabbed me from the get-go. Tuneful and slightly ambient, its self-label of ‘indie-pop’ doesn’t come close to doing it justice. The sweet beginnings of this EP don’t promise anything that the rest cannot deliver. Opening song ‘Perfect’ is very nearly that – calming and tuneful, it’s never boring but is in almost every way lovely to listen to. ‘Belle of the Wrecking Ball’ is another similar song, beautifully composed and layered, and ‘To Be A Killer’ is probably my favourite song off the album for reasons I find hard to articulate. The closest comparison to anything else would be the Shins, but even then, there’s something a bit different about the Weightlifters. It’s that extra factor that is difficult to pin down in so many albums – whatever it is, McLaughlin has it, and there’s nothing anyone else can do about it. Although the tracks never reach what I’d say was any sort of pace, it works because of the blend within and between songs. It’s probably not to everyone’s tastes, but different strokes for different folks and all, but I especially love the soft quality to McLaughlin’s voice. It’s powerful in a quiet way, and the tunes are memorable even if you won’t recall where they’re from. The only major criticism I’d have about this album is that lyrically, it’s a bit lightweight. Maybe if he was to tackle some different subjects, or to inject some poetic flourish into his song writing, McLaughlin would be able to create an album with more depth. In all, this EP is lovely. Purely lovely. That might not make you compelled to listen, but seriously, how many lovely CDs do you own? Try this one out. Lovely.