by Stephen Cramer
The ten songs on Le Coupe's self-titled debut on Shelflife Records serve as charming, deliberate musical evidence of the affection between the duo of Stacy Michelson and Josh Moore. Michelson's vocal precision is key to the ingredients, as her voice translates both happy and melancholy themes. Drum machines play an integral part to the band's sound, creating an electronic base under a level of standard indie pop instrumentation. The music is upbeat, but less dancey than other indie pop bands on Shelflife. The music creates a serene setting with the occasional offbeat guitar solo and bright horns. On the third track, "You Showed Me," synthesizers and organ set the mood for the layered vocals and the promise of greater things to come. One would think that the adoring lyrics throughout (especially on "When I Think," "Second to No One," and "Safe") are Michelson serenading Moore. The album was produced and engineered at California's Godzilla Studios and mixed by the band with the help of Scott Schultz of the band Majestic. The blue, black, and white album art adds to the atmosphere of simple pop hooks and focused, lush vocals. Overall, an impressive debut indie pop album.