Alex Lahey - The Answer Is Always Yes

 

I've talked a lot recently about the revival of Australian Pop Rock, so it is worth returning to Alex Lahey, who first perked my interest again in the country, revealing that there was far more to the musical scene than good ole boy Rawk. I knew that of course, but the artists were getting much harder to find. 

2019's The Best Of Luck Club was an amazing second album, Power Pop at heart, but with an ability to follow much harder Guitar led adventures. It made our Best Of Year albums, deservedly so, and it remains a great listen. You can read our review here. 

So it is interesting to look at her third album and see how she has progressed. Thankfully, she just keeps getting better and better. Lahey still makes great Power Pop, but easily enters both Avril Lavigne and Sheryl Crow territory. What does mark her out though is her adeptness with a lyric.

There is both a mature writing about the world and her place in it, but also a commentary on failed relationships and Australian life. The songs are delivered in a wry way, not necessarily with angst, more a bemusement. She can also be self effacing, particularly on Permanent. 

There are also marked departures from what is assumed to be her template. They Wouldn't Let Me In, for instance, is classic 80's New Wave Synth Pop. The title track is the closer and plants a firm foot into bigger Rock, almost Stadium Rock.

Good Time even kicks off the album, which is where the Sheryl Crow comparison is most apt, with the line "Everyone Is A Bit Fucked Up, But They Think They Are OK." It is a great commentary on the world today, very apt.

Congratulations is a fantastic song about Exes getting married. The Sky Is melting is splendidly laid back, intense and emotional. But both On The Way Down and Makes Me Sick point to the glories of The Best Of Luck Club.

The Answer Is Always Yes feels like a much more rounded Pop Rock album, stretching out into much bigger musical world. Lahey manages to do this without losing any of her bite or integrity. It should gather her an even wider audience and certainly deserves to. Highly Recommended!

You can listen to and buy the album here.

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