‘Loving You Is Killing Me,’ is My Life Story’s fifth studio album, and follows the release of ‘World Citizen,’ which was released in 2019. The new album discusses themes of empathy, profaneness, vaingloriousness, coercive behaviour, and naturism. The band are still led by charismatic frontman Jake Shillingford and were an initiating force in the Britpop movement. Their status drew Giles Martin (The Beatles) to record tracks for their debut album ‘Mornington Crescent’ after discovering them at the Marquee. The band ceased all touring and recording by 2001 however by 2016, Jake Shillingford wished to tour more frequently, retiring the orchestral ensemble.
We are introduced to the album with `Running Out of Heartbeats` and it`s an enticing slice of what MLS where always so adept at, blending pop with a more orchestrated sound but now there seems to be a slight electronic undertone. A number that hints towards relationships and their overwhelming effect. In the hands of anybody else `I’m a God` would sound megalomaniacal but here it`s a delightfully whimsical reflection on how we worship every new thing or person fated by the media or social media and award them divine status.
`Numb Numb Numb` bursts with energy and has that all-encompassing larger than life ambience, although the subject matter relates to absorbing other`s fears and emotions to your detriment. I suppose the title `Tits & Attitude` sums up the subject matter with a number that is sung with a deeper vocal delivery in a kind of remote, matter of fact way or style.
`Bubblewrap` appears to hint at controlling or coercive behaviour and is wrapped up in a wonderfully electronic eclectic soundscape. We enjoy a more amusing throwaway composition in `Naked` which i`m sure Electric Six had wish they`d written.
`B-side Girl` is another number that has a fairly epic feel, a romantic ode, simplistic but charmingly effective. The rapid fire lyrics shared throughout `Identity Crisis`, I read, were inspired by Marc Bolan’s Telegram Sam and his parade of wacky characters. But to me at times it had a Bowie `China Girl` essence but that might just be me.
`The Urban Mountaineer` is partly a tribute to and informed by George King, a boy whose ADHD motivated him to climb the shard without ropes or suction pads. It`s a thoughtful absorbing foot tapping number. The album closes out with `Wasted` a break up song of sorts possibly. It`s fairly stripped back which accentuates the emotion of this piece.
I have to say it was a pleasure to re-acquaint myself with Jake Shillingford and My Life Story and this magnificent new release `Loving You Is Killing Me` as MLS`s music always had that touch of baroque or chamber pop and a lyrical intelligence which still endures today.
For those who are new to the band, and enjoy artists such as The Divine Comedy, Duke Special, and Pulp you`ll love this. Jake is out in support of this release this month and if you get the opportunity to catch a show, i`m sure you`ll be richly rewarded.
Rating 9/10
