I admit it, I’m a little obsessed with Camera Obscura even though I cannot give a single specific reason why.
Their music is subdued, the lyrics should appeal more to a teenage girl than a typical grown man, Tracyanne Campell’s slight accent is nearly unplaceable (though I know they’re from Scotland), and sometimes it seems as if the drum beat, if it exists at all, is echoing out of a cavern deep in the Caledonian Woods. But, I still think its great.
After picking up their 2006 release, Let’s Get Out Of This Country, I’m fairly certain that Camera Obscura doesn’t take rock stardom too seriously. The group has only released four albums since 1996 and their member seem to wander off as soon their families begin to grow. Rock has never overshadowed reality and perhaps that’s what’s so appealing about the band. It is unassuming. It’s pleasant. It’s like a band put together by soccer moms and dads that, despite kicking ass, still brings cupcakes to the show.
It’s not for everyone, I know that. Like all music, Camera Obscura has a time and place – theirs just happens to come with juice-boxes.