New York's Lane Steinberg writes and performs great Pop Rock. It is the sort of Pop Rock beloved of I Don't Hear A Single followers, the sort of thing that IDHAS grew its reputation on in the early days. This is incredibly melodic stuff without ever going over the top or being too clever.
Instrumentally, these songs are astounding, creating a beautiful, at times pastoral, palette of harmonic pop, the arrangements are tip top. Steinberg's matches this soundscape, gentle, even soothing, over the musical accompaniment.
Although Headspace is is no way front loaded, the first three songs drag you in for the full journey. Headspace is fine McCartney late 60s Pop, Under Summer Skies is pure Andy Partridge and The Mountain is great Ben Folds Piano Pop.
So you know what sort of a ride that you are in for and the quality never lessens. Super Flumina Babylonius is Toytown of the highest order, Samardine is lounge driven joy, with a killer bass line. Whilst The Human Zoo goes in to full 70s Singer Songwriter schmaltz.
Finally Next To You even treads gently into Prog and I Don't know What To Do In Paris Anyore is, as you might expect, instrumentally very French. Alligator Chilli can only be described as Country Psych, which is a genre that has surprised me much in the last few months.
Steinberg even closes with the splendid Power Pop of Antidote with a big hint of Orgone Box. For all these delights, it is Lovesick Jones that stands out most. A storytelling song that is less embellished than the rest of the album, but stands out especially because of this. Highly Recommended!
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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Intelligent, sophisticated pop without pretension. Lane has built up an incredible catalog of memorable songs over the years. If you like Headspace, go exploring through his musical vaults.
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolutely wonderful album in every way. I simply cannot stop listening to it!
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