Declaration of Dependence

Declaration of Dependence will do little to quell the endless Simon and Garfunkel comparisons that have plagued Kings of Convenience since the release of their debut album back in 2001, which is precisely what most of the band's fans would like to hear. While the band's sophomore album, 2004's Riot on an Empty Street, flirted with larger production and a jauntier vibe, Declaration takes the Norwegian duo back to their roots: songs built up entirely of acoustic strumming and the convergence of two plaintive voices. The album doesn't exactly stake out any new territory for the band, but it does showcase the twosome's amazing knack for breezy, almost effortless-sounding melodies and clever turns of phrase. "Me In You" and "Second to Numb" rank among the most band's most elegant compositions, striking the perfect balance between rainy day melancholy and a breezy romanticism. Ultimately the Kings of Convenience make music that is the auditory equivalent of looking at a really pretty cloud: the pleasure of the moment is fleeting and easy to forget, but it's a genuine pleasure nonetheless.