Lavender Diamond - 'Imagine Our Love' (Rough Trade) Released 07/05/07

Promulgators of peace Lavender Diamond are fronted by the characterful singer Becky Stark, a longtime buddy of Devendra Banhart whose pure folk voice captures a range with top notes that remind of the ethereal Kirsty Hawkshaw. 'Imagine Our Love' rides on the crest of the folk-revival that has presented Joanna Newsom, Marissa Nadler, CocoRosie and Bat For Lashes, only 'Imagine Our Love' doles out repetitive homilies of a sing with teacher sort.

Opener 'Oh No' is a case in point with repetitive verse "Oh no/ when will I love again..." accompanied with piano and sleigh bell, the single 'Open Your Heart' sounds plucked from children's hour, and songs for the pious appear with 'I'll Never Lie Again' fortunately bolstered by a robust accompaniment. 'Like An Arrow' bores by relying on the voice rather than a song with mantra-like only meaningless verse, the repeated lines saying the title accompanied by African-style rhythms,  'My Shadow Is A Monday' forms an in-the-shower song, and 'Here Comes One' reminds of Monty Pythons 'Here Comes Another One'.

Strength is displayed on the country-folk homily 'Garden Rose' where the purity of voice is allowed to shine with a hippy-dippy song, and again on 'Dance Until It's Tomorrow' showing a controlled voice as for the folksy ponderings of 'Side Of The Lord'. 'Bring Me A Song' features a pirouetting Becky Stark with a sugar-coated waltzing number, and the closing 'When You Wake For Certain' has a hypnotic melody to raise a cheer.

'Imagine Our Love' sounds far too like a lightweight pet-project, yet shows a band with plausible potential if they can stretch the parameters of song. Fundamentally, Not to contest Rough Trades talent-spotting team, but 'Imagine Our Love' sounds about a satisfying as a rice-cake and humous supper with carrot on the side. Sadly, 'Imagine Our Love' has more hickory-dickory-dock than rock-around-the-clock, the lyricism being the great weakness for a band who have a gospel of joy and peace to spread.