For some reason, the name that Galwegian Declan Burke has chosen for his altar ego, Larry Beau, is almost exquisitely intriguing; conjuring up greatly rich notions of theatrical showmanship and fanciful decadence. Fortunately, his debut album doesn’t disappoint in this respect – Peepshow Stars is a thoughtfully crafted and striking work.
Having taken his inimitable show across several continents, Beau somewhat presumptuously describes himself as “a minstrel, a wanderer, a charming character who serenades and seduces with his weird and wonderful voice”. There is certainly a touch of bohemia inherent in the grooves of this record; ‘Sleeping Valentine’ and ‘Oh Sam’ are folk-tinged works that evoke the nostalgic simplicity of The Beatles’ carnivalesque days of yore, while ‘Spoilsport’ is an affecting, Orbison-esque pop gem.
Sure, the songs may work within a relatively conventional folk-pop framework, but it’s the unusual bell-and-whistle touches, as well as a dark and ghostly undercurrent, that really bring Beau’s music to life. The opening song ‘Addicted To You’ and ‘Suicide Fable’ make for interesting mission statements; with their lilting piano and gloomy atmospherics, the tracks are almost reminiscent of the vaudeville likes of Tiger Lillies.
Macabre cabaret and flower-power folk make for an unlikely marriage but Beau has pulled off the feat to impressive and understated effect. To borrow a well-used cliché, Peepshow Stars may borrow from the great works of the past, but at least Beau has the good grace and refreshing lack of pomposity to make his music sound like that of the future.