DeVotchKa’s ‘100 Lovers’ a few too many

It’s been almost five years since 7-year-old Olive Hoover graced the “Little Miss Sunshine” pageant stage in a one piece and danced scandalously to Rick James’ “Super Freak.” The film warmed hearts across America, as did the score, composed by Denver-based band, DeVotchKa. 

Songs like “How It Ends” effectively captured the film’s bittersweet tone and propelled the narrative.

DeVotchKa’s latest work, “100 Lovers,” isn’t based on a film. However, there seems to be little forward momentum.

Tunes on the album such as “All the Sand in All the Sea” and “The Man From San Sebastian” recall the gypsy punk that gained DeVotchKa notoriety more than a decade ago. Other songs are lush and filled with sound but don’t pack the emotional weight that they could. The big and glossy production is just as uneven.  

Is this intentional? “100 Lovers” is a lot. And there are about 100 ideas here, just little lasting commitment.