Reviewed by Jessica Shearer
French Possession/Triple A
If French Possession weren’t British, their music would be labeled Americana; well, at least the first two tracks on Triple A. French Possession specialize in twee pop with a noticeable crush on country and folk music; this is quite evident on “The Courtneys of Ballantry,” which seems to fuse together American country and English folk in the similarly wistful way that the Lilac Time do. Probably the most striking aspect of French Possession, and one that separates them from their peers, is lead singer Steve Jones’ resemblance to the late George Harrison is undeniable. Heck, with its sweet jangling guitars and warm harmonies, “Nothing Else Applies” could’ve been a Traveling Wilburys single, and “The Courtneys of Ballantry” has enough beautifully harmonic vocals to fill a couple of Beatles records.
“Ginny,” though, shifts the direction completely. It’s a delicious female-male duet with a trip-hop drum pattern. Lovely.
