Simon Okely's entire aesthetic is on point in 2017. From his album's hazy beachside cover to his sensuously unassuming videos, he taps into a west coast cool with his soft-focus blend of folk and indie R&B. You can easily imagine Stevie Nicks playing this record in Laurel Canyon, drapes breezing in the wind, waves lapping somewhere in the distance.
Formerly the guitarist for Melbourne pop band Oh Mercy, Okely goes frontman with his nasally croon and melodic guitar chops. As Slowdancer, he puts both talents to work with seductive results, mining blues-pop romance like Rhye and fleshing out gentle folk-rock like Big Star. There is a little bit of everything here -- from smooth-jazz to soul and folk ballads to slow jams -- and the influences are intended to permeate the air for an out-of-time listening experience.
"In the Water" sounds like a '60s or '70s R&B track Okely grew up with while driving down the Australian coast in his family's station wagon. "I try not to be caught up in trends and what's popular in music now and just focus on my passions, my influences." So it goes on "Bitter," a scraggly, multi-dimensional track replete with vivid guitars, heavy bass, twinkling keys, and lush horns--it is utterly mournful and mesmerizing, pulled out of the setting sun of a fading postcard.
Lead single "Don't Believe" is romantic pop perfection with two would-be lovers feeling so close but so inherently alone. "Turn away from the crowd / and the weight on your chest / play a song that's too loud / and reminds you're the best / well, you'll never be alone / But I bet you feel it coming home / I notice when you're on your own."
"I Would" is Nick Drake if he had seen the California sun. The simple refrain is one of possibility and commitment: "But you know I would / honey, you know I would / for you, you know I would." The sexiest track on the album, "It Goes On," is blue-eyed Marvin Gaye on the prowl -- call it infatuation or just blind faith -- and finding himself every bit as dangerous. If we create a new style, it will mean we can never be wrong! Okely's lyrics leave plenty to the imagination, which he fully appreciates is where the magic resides.
Wilson Pickett, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young -- the touchstones are everywhere -- but like other nodding records that will endure, In A Mood takes on a life of its own, allowing listeners to return again and again, and hopefully arm in arm.
"In the Water" sounds like a '60s or '70s R&B track Okely grew up with while driving down the Australian coast in his family's station wagon. "I try not to be caught up in trends and what's popular in music now and just focus on my passions, my influences." So it goes on "Bitter," a scraggly, multi-dimensional track replete with vivid guitars, heavy bass, twinkling keys, and lush horns--it is utterly mournful and mesmerizing, pulled out of the setting sun of a fading postcard.
Lead single "Don't Believe" is romantic pop perfection with two would-be lovers feeling so close but so inherently alone. "Turn away from the crowd / and the weight on your chest / play a song that's too loud / and reminds you're the best / well, you'll never be alone / But I bet you feel it coming home / I notice when you're on your own."
"I Would" is Nick Drake if he had seen the California sun. The simple refrain is one of possibility and commitment: "But you know I would / honey, you know I would / for you, you know I would." The sexiest track on the album, "It Goes On," is blue-eyed Marvin Gaye on the prowl -- call it infatuation or just blind faith -- and finding himself every bit as dangerous. If we create a new style, it will mean we can never be wrong! Okely's lyrics leave plenty to the imagination, which he fully appreciates is where the magic resides.
Wilson Pickett, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young -- the touchstones are everywhere -- but like other nodding records that will endure, In A Mood takes on a life of its own, allowing listeners to return again and again, and hopefully arm in arm.
No comments:
Post a Comment