Davey Lane “Finally, A Party Record”
Davey Lane, an Australian musician known for his work with You Am I and The Stems, celebrates his fourth solo album “Finally, A Party Record” with eye-catching artwork that subtly references Rod Stewart’s “Atlantic Crossing.” The album demonstrates why Lane deserves greater attention. The album is a pulsating mashup of synth melodies, distorted guitar, and obvious references to rock from the early 1980s. It’s as if Mr. Roboto-era Styx had a baby with ELO making an action B-movie soundtrack.
Starting with the funky bass line of the instrumental “Mach IV” creeping synth chords build on top of it, and then the distorted guitars kick in to set up an ominous retro mood. This leads to “Not Expecting To Fly” and its deep thick synth darkness and Davey’s strong vocal make this a winner, the bright harmonies and chorus shifts recall a lost 80s classic, familiar yet brand new. My favorite song here is “Over, Over & Out” and this leans more into Tom Petty styled strum, with a richly layered chorus that builds up with great sonic details, and a terrific solo break. Other highlights include “An Absent Lover,” a thickly produced groove call-and-response play and duet with Nitida Atkinson, and “God, I’m Fucked Up Over You” a slick ballad that recalls 10cc. Lane has a unique point of view, and it seems tried to make a “party” record for those who hate parties, but love great music. Plenty of good melodies here make this one Highly Recommended.
Static Jacket “The Grape Lady Falls”
Virginia Beach, Virginia is home to the indie rock band Static Jacket. Colen LoCoco and Jason Goldberg formed the duo in 2024 after trading recordings for a year. They swiftly developed a style that is gritty, catchy, and difficult to define. Bands such as the Kinks, the Beatles, Lou Reed, Elliott Smith, Sonic Youth, Pavement, the Stooges, and Beck are supposedly among their musical influences. Their music deftly moves from pop-filled nooks to raucous, discordant explosions, drawing from a vast emotional and aural palette.
“Frown Sugar” is an excellent and memorable introduction. They sound like The Beta Band meets The Dandy Warhols; melodious and dissonant at the same time. A fantastic song with booming guitars, “Analemma” really throws everything at the listener. The songs range from mid tempo alternative rock (“Any Wonder”) to high charged, high energy club pop (“Give Us The Money”), with the rare light harmonized gem “Undue Shine” providing a music palette cleanser. The albums first half is the strongest, but nothing here is filler. “Haunt You” and the closer “Walk Don’t Run” are also standouts here. Best of all this debut is a name-your-price download, so get it now! Highly Recommended.