Founded in 2009 by Mark West (former guitarist with Fanfarlo), The Lost Cavalry are a London-based alt-folk five-piece. Releasing their debut EP, “Waves Freeze To Rolling Hills” in 2010 on their personal label, Two Six Heave, they have recently released their EP “Snow City Radio” (also via Two Six Heave) on November 21st. Upon first listen, it is easy to draw comparisons with Beirut as well as DeVotchKa, albeit with a decidedly more socially-conscious sensibility. Standout “Desert Tracks” is described as being a ballad whose subject matter touches on “diamond mines, Namibia, sand, and horses.” Despite harrowing subject matter, touching on issues such as colonization and genocide, The Lost Cavalry manage to deliver their message via bucolic, crooning vocals with a vastly spatial orchestral backdrop.
Reminiscent of the “Funeral”-era Arcade Fire string arrangements of Owen Pallett, “The Tower” instantly gains velocity with compelling, heart-wrenching melodies . Quickly gaining momentum with a solid driving menagerie of majorette-style drumming, the lithe percussives instantly propel the airy melodies to exhilarating crescendos.
“Snow City Radio,” with its yearning, wistful vocals excels at balancing a nice gallow’s humor sensibility, especially when viewed in the context of the recently released video (beautifully executed on a minuscule budget using stop motion photography) directed by Mark West.
The Lost Cavalry have an active part in every stage of the production of their uniquely quirky creative sensibilities. Tender, literary gems with a decided bite to them, not only is this music meant to be owned it must also be said that the beautifully crafted album with artwork by Toby Atkins adds an extra layer to The Lost Cavalry’s already richly colored world. It is clear that they have a distinct vision of the universe that their music inhabits. The driving balladry as well as supplying a distinctive narrative structure, fits nicely into the same paradigm found in early Belle & Sebastian.
It stands as an ultimate testament to craft and imagination that this group has managed to fully realize their vision without consciously trying to ape artists of similar sensibilities. While it would be easy to peg them as in the vein of Beirut, the auditory backdrop they have developed is uniquely their own, as well as the rich, exciting universe that they inhabit. I will happily run away to join The Lost Cavalry’s carnival!
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