The Canadian four-piece The Luyas have emerged with a courageous effort in Too Beautiful To Work. The group spawned from the bustling music scene in Montreal, and with similar energy to Montreal bands like Arcade Fire, they blend atmospheric ditties with catchy space-age pop. With orchestrations nothing short of off-kilter, Too Beautiful To Work focuses on rapid instrumental shifts within a massive space of futuristic ambiance. The tentative yet cutting effort of vocalist Jessie Stein is extremely unique for it rides the line of being either lovely or unsettling. A beautifully moving moment in an instant can swerve in a harsher direction, making tracks like “Moodslayer” and “Canary” fresh and unpredictable.
The album is barely accessible at times, but executed with upmost attention to detail. Sketchy beat changes and winding orchestral parts (the violin being played by Arcade Fire’s own Sarah Nuefeld among many guest appearances) standout greatly on the opening title track “Too Beautiful To Work.” One of the more accessible tunes on the album, its upbeat charm folds nicely into the strange space-ballad that follows, “Worth Mentioning.” Midway through, the album drops the gem “Cold Canada,” which (among fantastic production work) flaunts an impressive string section and catchy vox. It’s arguably the strongest song on the record and shows The Luyas fantastic ability to arrange interesting music even around the simplest idea. Finally, the album winds down with the murky vocal-heavy “Seeing Things,” overshadowing the chirpier moments in the album with a redefining tone of gloom.
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There is much to be said about The Luyas debut album. It’s charming yet haunts, and coy but sporadic. Ultimately, the intriguing vision of Too Beautiful To Work deserves the attention of indie-pop fans across the board.
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