April 12, 2007
Exclaim!

Miami is not typically a place to inspire twee, intelligent Euro-pop.
Most notably because the weather is in a general constant state of
bliss, which doesn’t help much for those bands inspired by
consistently shifting skies and the need to reflect on the humble
feelings of love lost when you can be getting over it with a South
beach salad and your Speedos.

But love still dies and Smiths albums exist in places oranges grow and the Postmarks are the next in line of decent female-fronted bands that orchestrate sophisticated pop songs in the vein of ’90s throwbacks Saint Etienne and Ivy, whose Andy Chase, oddly enough, mixed and is releasing this album on his own label of like-minded pop. Unlike these bands however, and probably wishing Van Dyke Parks was on the boards, the Postmarks
settle for moodier and lush orchestration that evokes a more
nocturnal, if not sombre, atmosphere. “Know Which Way the Wind Blows�
features ringing, noir-sounding guitars reminiscent of those employed
on Portishead’s debut and collapses in lush horns. “Summers Never
Seem to Last� (you’ll notice the constant seasonal theme) is a
delicate piece of chamber pop with gently plucked strings going back
to Life-era Cardigans and singer Tim Yehezkely’s, warm coo, which
although fitting, does tend to become slightly weary over the course
of the album. It is easy to compare this debut to others but for
those looking for something new for those remorseful final days of
winter, or just a soundtrack to staring out a window and reflecting
on life, the Postmarks will do fine. (Unfiltered)

By Derek Nawrot