It is evident from the carnival-esque opening twangs of "Coal/Ivory" that in Black Forest (tra la la), the Pale Young Gentlemen have somewhat altered their musical leanings. This follow-up seems to have abandoned their more colorful, dance-friendly direction in favor of symphonically eerie, bearably melancholy melodies. Though still vocally arranged in deliberately disorganized harmony, as in the band's self-titled debut, this album is presented with more melody, more emotion, and, in general, more depth. Tracks such as "We Will Meet," a short song about a gloomy love, set a strangely earthy tone for such a fantastical album. The fantasy element is strong in tracks such as "Goldenface, Moonlight," but is immediately brought back to hazy reality by others, such as "The Crook of My Good Arm." Lyrically, Black Forest (tra la la) expresses a maturation of sorts, especially in tracks such as the closer, "She's All Mine, I Think," which completes the tragic, yet refreshing narrative. The Pale Young Gentlemen's sophomore effort proves that this group is hot stuff. Well, as hot as semi-acoustic, mid-tempo indie rock can get (slightly warmer than a campfire?).
-- Gretchen Gaskill [October 5, 2008]
