Shy No More
Camera Obscura has evolved from a little-known group of musicians quietly making indie pop gems to a tight-knit unit whose gorgeous, often symphonic songs have earned them a legion of converts. These Glaswegians began their journey as a band in 1996, winning fans in the United Kingdom with guitarist and lead vocalist Tracyanne Campbells earnest songwriting and the groups emphasis on delicately crafted compositions, and they released their first U.K. disc, Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi, in 2001.
The bands U.S. debut came in 2004 with Underachievers Please Try Harder, and Camera Obscura continued its focus on understatement. Campbells shy-sounding vocals and the subtle instrumentation imbued the sweet, ambling tracks with the intimate quality of a bedroom recording.
This discs title, whether or not it was intended, turned out to be a directive for the group itself. At the time, everyone in the band (the current lineup includes six members) was holding down a day job and squeezing in rehearsals and shows during any free moments. But their full-time employment had become a hindrance to Camera Obscuras success, and they collectively agreed that for the next album, theyd devote all their energies to music.
We wanted to do something better and push ourselves more, explains Gavin Dunbar, the bands bassist. It was kind of a leap of faith, really. We knew we had to make a leap and we decided the time was right.
With the help of Swedish producer Jari Haapalainen (whos worked with The Concretes and Ed Harcourt, among others), they recorded the lushly orchestrated Lets Get Out of This Country, which illustrates the sextets talents at a greater amplification. Not only are many of the songs simply louder, but also the addition of a slew of string players and an open choir on several tracks and the vivacity of all the performers give the record a momentum not found on earlier releases. It was a bit of a change because it was the first time we worked with a producer the whole time He seemed to get results out of us that we hadnt gotten before. He kind of gave us a kick in the ass, which we needed, Dunbar admits.
Upon its release in June 2006, the record was immediately lauded, with widespread agreement among critics and fans that Camera Obscura had come into its own. And since then, the bands been touring almost nonstop and the live audiences have grown substantially. In March 2006, Camera Obscura played to a packed crowd of several hundred in the Knitting Factorys main room, but earlier this year, fans filled Warsaw which has a capacity of almost 800.
Its nice for us as players, Dunbar says. The crowds are on your side, and they appreciate what were doing, and it kind of makes it all worthwhile.
The groups apparent dedication and relentless touring have paid off in other ways, too, as theyve honed their performances so that theyre perfectly in synch and create an infectious energy. After a short North American tour, starting in Baltimore, stopping in New York and ending in Toronto, theyll finally head home and begin work on the next record in September.
No time off, just straight into the rehearsal room, Dunbar says. Were keen to get back into the studio and do something fresh.
Aug. 24, South Street Seaport, 19 Fulton St. (at South St.), 212-732-7678; 7, free.