The Cavalry of Light

AMG Review of The Cavalry of Light

MacKenzie Wilson
All Music Guide

The pop side of indie rock, as we know it in 2006, is defined by the lovely folk pop leanings of Sufjan Stevens and Joanna Newsom; with their tender-hearted wit and impeccable talent for composing some of the decade's most ambitious work, they've made indie music for a second generation. They're overachievers in the most charming way, kind of like that kid in high school who liked the Smiths, worshipped Jack Kerouac, and graduated valedictorian. Newcomer Becky Stark is one of those too, and as the vocalist for the Los Angeles-based Lavender Diamond, she will make you a believer just as Stevens and Newsom have. But Stark will do it with grace, just as her influences (Linda Ronstadt, Carole King) did before her. The songs found on The Cavalry of Light EP come alive as if it was recorded in the '70s, flowing with illustrious string arrangements, sepia-toned acoustic guitars, and soft piano-driven melodies, resonating the simple touch and perfect beauty of Karen Dalton, Emmylou Harris, and the Band. Stark's lilting performance on songs such as "Please" and "Rise in the Springtime" showcase how true and real Stark is to her craft. As a vocalist, no one would ever accuse her of trying too hard, for it's Stark's poetic blend of rich lyrical reflections that make this a beautiful introduction to Lavender Diamond. Just one listen to the blissful country-folk tinges of " "You Broke My Heart," and Lavender Diamond will have you daydreaming of those idyllic moments where love seemed too good to be true.