La Sera is the solo project of the Vivian Girl's Katy Goodman. Now, in the interest of fairness and full-disclosure, I have made no secret about my love of indie-rock bands fronted by women, or my love for the Vivian Girls. It should also be admitted that I have a thing for redheads. Having said that, I honestly put this record on without any expectations one way or the other. More than anything I simply wanted to see what Goodman was up to during her off-hours. What quickly became apparent was that she was making music that was just as wonderful as the Vivian Girls, even though the two bare little resemblance to each other. Goodman eschews the taut punk/garage of her primary band for a dreamier hazier sound that has more in common with shoegaze and dream pop than punk or garage, although garage certainly lurks at the edges. Cushioning Goodman's gorgeous and ethereal voice, each track is drenched in atmosphere, yet baited with hooks aplenty to make for some of the most addictive dream pop I've heard. There is simply not a bad song on this album; not one piece that does not have something to love. It's one of those rare little records that isn't about the promise of something bigger and better, because it is perfect as it is; even if what it is, is a small musical offering made without pretense or expectation.
"Devils Hearts Grow Cold"
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