Music > Album Reviews

Princess Chelsea // Lil' Golden Book

09/10/12

I should have known better than to have high hopes for an album by someone who refers to themselves as “Princess Chelsea” but when something is described as being a cross between a classic Disney soundtrack and Kraftwerk I couldn't help but be a little intrigued. Unfortunately the colourful artwork including a ginger cat in a bow tie was the highlight of this album.

Despite the Princess Chelsea being a classically trained pianist this talent was largely overlooked in the production of this album, with each song seeming to try and fit as many instruments and production effects as possible regardless of whether or not they fit within the flow of each track.

Not wanting to be too harsh on this debut album it is worth noting that the songs aren't that bad. Although the vocals are far from something I’d usually listen to, at times reminding me of a whiny child, the instrumental work on this album does at times show promise for something could be genuinely interesting. The penultimate track, Goodnight Little Robot Child, for example, creates a soothing lullaby that draws to a close with what can only be described as a 90’s video game alien invasion finale.

Amidst the sea shanty inspired tracks and over use of largely unwarranted string and synth tracks, this album is at best incoherent. There is no flow or sense of theme across the eleven songs, and I’m still struggling to see a point behind the rather odd Cigarette Duet. At times it seems that Chelsea is trying to make a poignant social commentary, creating a juxtaposition between childish vocals and the dangers of substance abuse, but listening to the lyrics makes it very clear that any attempt at making an intelligent point is not so cleverly overshadowed by immature lyrics that lack any real content without managing to fall into the category of being obscure and interesting.

If you’re looking for intelligent song writing then this probably isn't the album for you, but if you likely childish drawings and creatures in top hats the artwork is well worth looking up.