Scarlet Youth - The Everchanging View (Deluxe Edition) (2013)

Sophomore effort from this international (Finland/Germany) dreamcore outfit pairs swirling, New Orderish melodies with soft, emotional vocals that set the stage for a very romantic evening indeed. There are heartbreakingly nostalgic touches throughout that hearken back to the beloved Sarah roster and soaring strings, mourning synth swashes, and intelligent lyrics (in English) combine to create one of the year’s softest pop records. Highlights are many, from the opening flush of “You and Me” and “Coastlines” to the glisteningly anthemic rush of the rather Psychedelic Furs-y “This Night Is Ours”. Pianos, strings, and handkerchiefs are hauled out for the tearjerking reminiscence of “Cool Kids”, while the melancholic vibe of
“What It’s Worth” will have you pulling your loved one a little closer to hold onto your cherished relationship as long as possible. The giddy swoon of “Warm Lucid Nights” will soften the most jaded cynics in the room who think this romantic stuff is for high school coeds writing bad Sylvia Plath poetry knockoffs, and the goosepimply original album closer “Someday I’ll Be Fine Again” suggests there is life after broken relationships. They up the distortion quotient here, signaling the painful break – when all you want to do is lock yourself in your room and crank up the stereo to 12 to drown out your sorrows.
The deluxe edition adds a couple of bonus tracks to their original self-released (on Homesick) disk to extend the good times even further. “New Shore” bounces along like a happy foot dance party compared with the preceding gloom – think more Clan of Xymox than Depeche Mode, and “My Dream Is Yours” sprinkles another bubbly rhythm onto suave Bryan Ferryish vocals. So fans of those dreamy, late period Roxy Music records as well as anyone who broke up to the sound of Nick Hayward whistling down the wind should invite their sweetheart over for a romantic evening with some fine wine, a crackling fire, and a double dose of Scarlet Youth.