Almost Charlie
The Plural of Yes
Words On Music

Almost Charlie's North American debut, The Plural of Yes, is a perfect example of all that is good about the Internet. Without it, Almost Charlie's New York-based lyricist (Charlie Mason) might never have been able to collaborate with Berlin-based singer-guitarist Dirk Homuth, depriving us of a brilliantly-crafted album. With elaborate melodies and Homuth sounding like a German John Lennon, the Beatles are a clear influence here. This is particularly evident in the sunshine pop of "Leaving Is Easy" and "In Another Life." They go for a quieter, acoustic sound on songs such as the elegant "Beyond and Above" and the heartbreaking "So Far and Yet So Near." Similarly styled, the highlight of the album is the beautifully romantic "For the Both of Us." The band uses piano and strings to great effect on songs such as the classically-tinged "Love Condensed" and the Nick Drake-like "The Plural of Yes," while the banjo is a nice surprise on the insanely catchy "Will You Still Be Here." What stands out most about this album is the meticulous craftsmanship behind every song. That attention to detail makes the infectious melodic '60s pop of The Plural of Yes a must-have.
Jessica Simons
