Album Review: The Candle Thieves – ‘Sunshine And Other Misfortunes’ (Carnival Town)

Fantasy pop that's jarring to say the least

The ’90s are certainly having a ‘moment’ in the pop world, but hearing The Candle Thieves loot so freely from the back-catalogues of Bran Van 3000 and Eels on their debut is jarring to say the least. Opener ‘We’re All Gonna Die (Have Fun)’ echoes the twee toy instruments of Los Campesinos! but with none of their spontaneity. ‘The Sunshine Song’ is more promising, with its fun Casio beats recalling Belle & Sebastian’s cutesiness. But it’s the lyrics that throw this album into the doldrums: lines such as “Shine, bright lights, shine/Don’t hurt my eyes/Been dark too long/And not at night” morphs an album that could rival Owl City’s soft fantasy pop into something mundane and patronising.

Nat Davies

Click here to get your copy of The Candle Thieves ‘Sunshine And Other Misfortunes’ from the Rough Trade shop

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