As I write this review I am listening to The Lumineers "Cleopatra" album, which was released on April 8. The Lumineers are known for their songs "Ho Hey" and "Stubborn Love" from their self-titled album "The Lumineers," which was released in 2012, and more recently, "Ophelia," which was released as a single from "Cleopatra." Let me just start off by saying, it takes my quite a long time to find a song I can listen to a repeat while writing, let alone an album. "Cleopatra" has proved to be the answer to my struggle.
The band itself is from Denver, Colorado, and is made up of Wesley Shultz, Jeremiah Fraites, Neyla Pekarek, Stelth Ulvang, and Byron Isaacs. Their folk/rock sound places them in the diverse 'alternative' category, and only broadens their fan base and versatility. If your a fan of the likes of Ed Sheeran, Colony House, Passenger, or James Bay, odds are you'll like this group.
Though The Lumineers have had several years between albums, they've only improved on their lyrical arrangements and overall sound. I can say, without a doubt, there is not one unpleasant song on the album. I myself am a bit of a music snob. As much as it pains me to say it, it takes quite a bit to impress me lyrically, as I've found many of the folk/rock bands, and even those in the alternative category, are beginning to sound the same. This is far from the case with The Lumineers, however.
They manage to bring back the same feeling a rythem contained in their last album, while also bringing forward new arrangements, instruments, and emotions. Shultz may have one of the most impactful voices in the industry today. While he may not have the best voice, per say, the band knows what it sounds best with, and Shultz is able to convey a certain level of emotion through his inflection alone, which many artists today lack.
"Cleopatra" features songs such as "Angela," "My Eyes," and the album's namesake, "Cleopatra." While many of the songs are melancholic, there are several which have a springy feeling of hope, perfect for the coming warm weather. Without a doubt, this is thee album you want to have on during the warmer summer nights, maybe gathered around a fire.
No matter what your music taste may be, I'd give The Lumineers a shot. "Cleopatra" disregards the boundaries of music preferences and allows for a wider audience by blurring the lines between genres. Without a doubt, "Cleopatra" is the bands best product to date. Avid music listeners should keep and eye out for this band.
