It takes as much skill to craft a short, concise indie gem as it does to crank out a concept album. I've always placed a premium on singles, and especially on ones where the brevity doesn't prevent the tunefulness from ringing out. The new one from Real Numbers is just such a number.
The chiming "Star" by Real Numbers is elegantly brief, and seemingly simple. A couple of voices, strummy guitar chords, and a hook make this just a delight. That's all you really need if you've got a good idea, right? This track will likely earn the group comparions to The Field Mice, but there's even a slight hint of The Go-Betweens here, at least the more ebullient numbers from Grant and Robert. However you describe it, "Star" is bliss, and one more indication to get ready for the full Real Numbers record in August.
"Star" by Real Numbers is out now. The album Was It Always This Way will be out on August 14 via Slumberland Records.
[Photo: Slumberland Records]