"Bums and Beggars" is the lead single from Baltimore duo Lovers and Reflections’ new album Swords (out March 5th), and hints at a slightly different but comfortable angle on old new-romanticism. These days, prog-pop vocals have followed the shoe-gaze/dream-pop sounds in a direction away from crisp synth tones and rhythmic beats. The joining of the once close but since separated styles is a 21 st century high- school romance flick in the making.
The shoe-gazing wallflower protagonist walks through the halls listening to the Cocteau Twins’ "Lorelei", and Roxy Music’s "More Than This." She sings Kate Bush’s "Babushka" to herself and thinks Strawberry Switchbalde’s cover of "Jolene" is the best one. Her crush always wears headphones (and shades), thinks dubstep was tired before Skrillex (resulting in chiding from his peers), and wonders boisterously and obnoxiously why the other kids in school can’t admire the perfect majesty of Prince, Madonna and Depeche Mode, although he’s willing to concede that Robyn is hot as the sun. During one encounter in the lunch line, they almost bond over Limahl’s theme for The Neverending Story, but she’s too shy (shy, hush hush, eye to eye). Finally, at senior prom, they dance and kiss, their lovers’ embrace reflected in "Bums and Beggars." No, I’m not crying. You’ll like it too. –Natan Press