Blue Poles
Barely Dressed/Remote Control
It a little odd that a couple of Jack Ladder’s backing
Dreamlanders seem to have a higher profile than the man himself. Odder still
when those are the ironic lounge lizardry of Donny Benet and the sometimes
divisive performance art of Kirin Callinan. For as he again proves here, Jack
The Lad is making some glorious neon-and-noir pop built around his rich croon.
In parts Blue Poles
feels a little less studied, perhaps a bit looser, than some of his earlier
work - but conversely perhaps a little more melodic and approachable. With
himself now in the producer’s chair as well, the backing is there to serve that
voice and these songs. Some things are a little more windswept than the grimy-but-shiny
city streets and alleys you might expect, although Dates does nods toward Berlin-era Bowie & Iggy in its insistent
rattle.
But the emotions are often still dark – or at least darkly
humoured. Susan is another of those
lost girls, with Jack left literally “…Upping
the dose” in his casualty ward bed to keep some vision of her. But somehow,
that comes with a bit of a knowing smirk. Ditto the sweeping highlight White Flag, where its original duet
design is subverted by its delivery by one voice – just who is the one
realising they’re trapped?
Blue Mirror is half-spoken
memories over a shimmer of keyboards – think mid-period Roxy Music, or maybe
David Sylvian’s Japan. And the final Merciful Reply full of romantic
anticipation and doubt – and somehow you know she’ll just be the next one to
break his heart. Again.
Mr Ladder has made another album suitable for moody brooding. This he does very well.
Mr Ladder has made another album suitable for moody brooding. This he does very well.
 |
| Greater love hath no reviewer than to actually buy the record... |
