★★★★☆
It’s been four years since Colorado twee pedlars The Lumineers released their self-titled debut album.
Clearly, much has happened in that time – not least of all, one-time musical compatriots Mumford & Sons shrugging off their indie folk sympathies. However, the only thing The Lumineers have cast aside is the shadow of their breakout hit ‘Ho Hey’. Accordingly, while their second record reflects a darker and more mature vision than their first, there is something undeniably comforting and familiar about Cleopatra.
The signature claps, stomps and syncopated beats are back, as are the twinkly piano, rolling guitar and wholehearted vocals. But having been renewed with deliberate and measured energy, this mellifluous approach never seems gimmicky. It all makes Cleopatra an enchanting and unassuming return to form.
Despite the long wait between albums, Cleopatra only took six months to write before Wesley Schultz (vocals/guitar), Jeremiah Fraites (drums/piano) and Neyla Pekarek (cello/bass) headed to the studio with producer Simone Felice (The Felice Brothers). Lead single ‘Ophelia’ is a pure, sing-along joy, as are ‘Gun Song’ and ‘Angela’.
Cleopatra is slow-building, foot-stomping folk rock at its most charming.
