See the Most Popular News Articles
posted March 29, 2010

A former member of bands like The Ruby Suns (Sub Pop), The Brunettes and The Reduction Agents as well as a touring member of Okkervil River, Lawrence Arabia - the savant-like songwriting alter ego of James Milne -- is shedding his sideman status and stepping alone into the bright light of the US music scene with "Chant Darling." The album is his first full-length on Bella Union, the UK-based label credited with discovering hallmark influencers Fleet Foxes, Midlake, Beach House and Explosions in the Sky among others.
Already receiving four-star reviews from UK tastemakers like Mojo and Uncut, "Chant Darling" melds irreverent lyrics with West Coast melodies and lush harmonies, playing like a modern take on the work of classic popsmiths like Jonathan Richman, John Lennon and Brian Wilson. Hewn in large part from James' gradual relocation to London and recorded over 18 months in a studio in Stockholm, three flats in London, a garden shed in Port Chalmers, a car club in Wellington and a studio in Auckland, "Chant Darling" signals the emergence of a weighty new voice straight from the new pop frontier of the southern hemisphere.
The first single from "Chant Darling," ‘Apple Pie Bed,' received New Zealand's highest songwriting honor the Silver Scroll award this past September.
LAWRENCE ARABIA Tour Dates w/ FANFARLO