Vance Joy, KISS, Baby Velvet: New album reviews

Vance Joy has cracked the code of artists who have a signature sound PLUS KISS and Baby Velvet.

Vance Joy has crafted his own signature sound.

This week’s album reviews from The Courier-Mail (ratings out of five stars):

INDIE POP

Vance Joy, In Our Own Sweet Time

(Liberation) ***

Vance Joy is one of those rare commodities who, through a combination of distinctive music and vocals, have carved out a sound all their own. And his long-awaited third long-player is testament to the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, sticking to the trusty formula of strummy love ditties. From the opening strains of Don’t Fade it’s equal parts brooding and optimistic, with highlights including Way That I’m Going, the Riptide-esque rhythm of Catalonia and the mariachi-tinged Clarity, which channels Nada Surf.

ROCK

KISS, Off the Soundboard: Live in Donington

(Universal) ***

Coinciding with the band playing the Download Festival at Donington, UK, on their End of the Road tour, the third entry in their Off the Soundboard series is also the first to feature the original line-up, recorded in 1996 during the Reunion Tour. And it seems to catch them with a level of energy and enthusiasm above that of the previous instalments. It means all post-reunion line-ups are now represented in the series, and while the setlists remain fairly predictable – staples such as Detroit Rock City, Deuce, Strutter and Black Diamond are all there – there’s enough variation to keep hardcore and completist fans occupied. Start boning up for when the final tour finally hits Down Under.

ALTERNATIVE

Baby Velvet, Please Don’t Be in Love With Someone Else

(ABC) ***1/2

The artist otherwise known as Hannah Crofts – one-quarter of All Our Exes Live in Texas – has become the first member of that quirky outfit to embark on a solo record. Crofts’ babylike vocals are offset by the heavy chords of songs such as Love Letter – an ode to role models and significant others – and used to echoey effect on the dreamlike Atlanta. Best in Show chronicles a romantic encounter on the road: “Room service and hotel rooms is all that I could ever offer you.” There are the dramatic beats and harmonies of Call Me, and she provides her own backing vocals on What the Hell is Wrong With Me.