Everything about Toronto duo Lavventura’s debut LP is charming. From the wide range of styles to the idiosyncratic choice of instruments to the album’s curio sonic texture, That Particular Charm definitely delights. The band’s penchant for the eccentric and unusual is evident right away on opening track “Neato Favorito” with its Penguin Café Orchestra launch and lilting singsong rhythm. “Waiting for Your Sweet Love” has a Donald Fagen jazzy undercurrent married to a low key soul thrust. Then “Ladybug” turns up the guitars with a tune that is equal parts Andy Partridge and Yellow Submarine-era Beatles. Listening through this album it’s clear these guys really know their melodic rock canon, dropping easter eggs all over the LP. “Trauma” reincarnates the spirit of the Beach Boys. “Fallen Leaves” is like a collaboration between the Everly Brothers and Sergio Leone. “House in the City/Camp Ptarmigan” puts a George Harrison lead guitar bit into an early 1970s country rock tune. “Must Be the Devil” also travels that country rock road with a dash of vaudeville and rock lead guitar. “Slippery Raincoats” and “Requiem for a Starman” are like two sides of 1970s, the former giving off a Big Star vibe, the latter exuding a rock opera grandeur. Closing out the record are two fine rock and roll songs. “Love You Like Guitars” is just stripped-back guitar goodness, full stop. However, the undeniable should-be hit-single in this package is “Flatline Dialtone.” This one has me hanging on the telephone for sure.

Get your copy of Lavventura’s That Particular Charm at their bandcamp page. That’s where I got mine!