David Brookings reaches his 10th album and the third with The Average Lookings. The 2016 self titled debut from this lot was one of the earliest reviews on here and we've stuck with him and then ever since. This is Nashville Power Pop at its very best.
The quartet aren't afraid to veer off into other directions and the difference to Brooking's solo recordings is that the arrangements are even more filled out. Big Riffs, killer choruses and some really crunchy solos light up this album.
The diversions are really fascinating. Jose, for instance, starts all Spaghetti Western and then heads into melodic Folk Rock. Yet, My Last Little Shred Of Youth is a mix of early 60s Pop, Everlys even and Country with its barrel piano in the background.
Exposure is a much longer affair, almost 6 minutes, a meandering joy and as the title suggests a hit out at the constant requests for artists to play for free. Brookings vocal has a great drawl and the extended instrumental outro works really well.
The Van Gogh Plan even gets very West Country Rock. But it is the Power Pop that resonates most. The likes of Encore, Coldwater Canyon and the superb Time Bomb master the genre. Songs and choruses that live in the memory.
Brookings has a lyrical depth that transcends the I lost my girl, I love you, yes I do mediocrity that the genre can be accused of at times. At times, there is a Nick Piunti feel and both have stayed with us over our past decade, when many haven't.
You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on CD and as a download.
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