[image-4]Published May 15, 2008.
Los Campesinos!
Hold On Now, Youngster…
(Arts and Crafts)
The ambitious arrangements and playful back and forth of main vocalists Gareth and Aleksandra Campesino! conjure up comparisons to The New Pornographers. Though Aleksandra’s vocals may lack the sophistication of Neko Case, chemistry between Campesino! singers makes their weaknesses seem like endearing idiosyncrasies. Los Campesinos! blaze through the 12 energetic songs of Hold On Now, Youngster… as if the back of the studio was on fire. Yet somehow, Broken Social Scene’s producer Dave Newfeld captured their charm, ultimately creating an album that’s fresh and relevant.
Caley MacLennan
This article appears in May 8-14, 2008.