When I praise NYD's live stylings, I mean every word.  They are engaging and energetic and pleasing to the eye; all of 'em, not just Ashley.  However this is one of those sad situations where the live lustre we loved when the opened for a band we adore doesn't quite come through on the album [I'm referring to when I saw Moneen open for Saves the Day last year, but I've come to really enjoy the Red Tree].

The first thing I'd like to mention is that Ashley Costello doesn't sing her own backing vocals.  It's extra cool when a female-fronted band has the fellers singing the backgrounds; not just because it sounds cool, but because it shows a type of band equality.  You know, so things don't end up like the "Don't Speak" video.  I always figure that's how band's like this will end, especially when the Eric Stefani element [in this case former Home Grown bassist Adam Lohrbach] leaves and the band becomes a solo project.  But I digress.  There's not a whole lot of new ground covered on this album, but that's not always the point, is it?  The point here seems to be to make some good musics and have some good times.  Mission accomplished.
Final Verdict: My Dear is pretty much what you'd expect, really.  Catchy songs about bein' done wrong and lovin' SoCal.  I'm going to keep listening because I see no reason not to.

Part Time Lover - New Years Day

[audio:http://lovethemusicreviews.com/audio/04%20Part%20Time%20Lover.mp3]

New Years Day Official MySpace // Buy My Dear