Album Review: Lowrider - Black Stones

There are plenty of rewards to be found in Lowrider's most recent offering, Black Stones, despite its seriously underwhelming opening. Persevere listener, as this is one that blossoms midway through as these Adelaide boys stop trying to be the next Maroon 5 and get comfortable in their own skin. And, once they knuckle down and just play the poppy soul/funk they are known for, these songs hit the spot nicely.

Of course, it's hard to let the opening slip. First single, Days Of Boredom, shows off how tight and funky Lowrider are. But singer Joe Braithwaite's critique of modern technology is distractingly dodgy and can be summed up by saying: 'Facebook/Twitter bad, talking good'. Indeed, the curly-headed frontman's lyrics are a problem throughout as they tend to overshadow the songs. This guy can really belt out a tune and his vocals give these tracks their melodies and their feel. As a result, cringe-worthy lines like, “Such a pleasure to meet you, before I can teach you”, on the otherwise excellent Go Get Gone, really stand out and jar the experience big time. Despite the lyrics, that song is part of a sensational run of blues and funk tracks midway through this album, starting with pumped-up album highlight, The Pay Day, and ending with a brass section belter in And I Wonder. Braithwaite also really nails Day Time Tripping's big chorus and the '80s-inspired pop ballad, In My Arms, showing that if they get the lyrics right, Lowrider have a massive future as a quality pop act both here and overseas.