Camera Obscura - 'If Looks Could Kill'

The world sure could use more workman-like songwriters. Luckily, there’s Traceyanne Campbell and her band of merrymakers, Camera Obscura. Fresh off of last year’s indie pop release, Let’s Get Out of This Country, Camera Obscura have released an EP single, If Looks Could Kill. The EP picks right up where the band’s last full-length left off, continuing their trend of sweeping, gorgeous pop music. While not quite as stunning as Let’s Get Out of This Country, If Looks Could Kill still provides 10 minutes of enjoyment for CO fans jonesing for a fix.

If Looks Could Kill opens with the song of the same title, which originally appeared on Let’s Get Out of This Country. Rollicking drums lead the band into a full-on swingin’ jam that will appeal to fans of catchy acts like Neko Case, both with and without The New Pornographers. Marinated in sweet, juicy reverb and romantic advice, “If Looks Could Kill” is a shining example of how a pop song should sound. Campbell dispenses wisdom to an unnamed love interest who needs to tame his temper, reminding him that, “if it’s true looks can kill and you will be the first to make me mad/Then you’ll have to go.” This is an elegant single.

But while “If Looks Could Kill” is clearly a winning pop number, the accompanying B-sides fail to make as great of an impression. Part of this is to be blamed on the production – it’s cleaner and lamer. But that doesn’t mean the two songs are completely without merit. “Hands Up Baby” features prominent vocals from Kenny McKeeve, who also penned the track. McKeeve’s voice isn’t nearly as enchanting as Campbell’s, but luckily she pops up too. String arrangements help embellish the song as well. Somber and mellow, “Hands Up Baby” continues the theme of putting haughty (ex-) lovers in their places that began with “If Looks Could Kill.” It’s a bit of a downer on account of all of its references to death, but at least it sounds pretty.

The final track, “Alaska,” breaks out of the EP’s mold by discussing… trees. “I’m in love with the Hawthorn/Sure I like the Birch/I need a hand, a volunteer/Why does the Sycamore mean so much?” I’m not entirely sure what that means. But the song’s got quite a bit of cowbell and country twang to compensate.

“Alaska” and “Hands Up Baby” are both good orchestral indie pop songs, but it’s obvious why they’re B-sides. They don’t outshine the solid collection of songs on Let’s Get Out of This Country as “If Looks Could Kill” proves right away. It’s a solid EP for Camera Obscura fans, but those looking to hear the band for the first time would be better off checking out their full-lengths.