Ray LaMontagne on the way to the west coast with 60s + 70s sound, a successful trip

Raymond LaMontagne has left for his new opus Supernova much time. Released the first three albums in steady intervals of 2 years have now passed all four years in the country. With some tours (unfortunately mainly in the USA) and sporadic participation in guest appearances was held the supporters happy.

The three previous works have consistently high dotted with the critics and especially after the debut album's sales figures increased respectively chart positions. The pressure was therefore immense, as Ray pulls the new album from the affair and copes with the high expectations?

A first hearing impression: LaMontagne moves with its new facility on the west coast of the United States and addresses many influences of the late '60s on. More than one chord progression could be also found on recordings by the Byrds, Scott Mc Kenzie, Mama's and the Papas and Buffalo Springfield. (Title Ojai).

The second hearing impression: Producer Dan Auerbach, mastermind of The Black Keys certainly has his hands on one or the other psychedelic throw (Lavender) in the game. Moreover, I rate him as an advocate and motivator that LaMontagne now ever change unexpectedly and surprisingly within a song his singing style. Even so not really hear the odd dirty guitar riff, so far in LaMontagnes (music) color palette available.

I take my hat off to the musician LaMontagne. It takes courage to leave familiar territory and to open to new influences and implement them. Yes, Ray has his plates earned economic success, but supernova shows (again): Here once thought of the music and in the wake of the economic recovery.

However, it is skill, so skillfully to pair these new influences with the existing style to music career to leave after 10 years of criticism as fans certify the famous musical development. Good as proven reserves LaMontagne, the nasal and raspy vocals are still often present, lyrically he mimes still to tend melancholichen romantics. The new style elements are not disdain or scaring off fans, some folkie also heard 45 years ago precisely to the West Coast sound to and distilled therefrom over appealing sounds.

Finally, a few words on cooperation with producer Dan Auerbach. This veranwortet certainly one or the other shovel dirt and new instruments within the songs. Fears that the album drifts towards Black Keys and maybe an idea too lo-fi serves up to us, I can not confirm. Last but not least: The album requires the repeated listening and then you see what good work the duo has dished us here.