Delaney Davidson
Album: Lucky Guy
Label: Rough Diamond
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.delaneydavidson.com

Listening to Delaney Davidson's seventh album is it is sometime hard to believe there were just a trio making this album.

The recording is spot on. Crisp and precise. So are the songs. Most are short and to the point. There's plenty of creativity on show here.

Lucky Guy features the New Zealand-born Delaney on main vocals, guitars and piano, on bass and vocals there's Ben Woolley and on drums and percussion we have Joe McCallum.

Most songs are self-penned and adventurous. There's plenty of guitar mixed with plenty of effects, layered on top of distinctive vocals and the rock solid bass and drums combo.

There's no getting away from the fact that some of the songs are a tad maudlin - the final song Wait, tells of life on the road, in a minor key naturally, but it is beautifully crafted. Think of Tom Waits or Lou Reed and you'll get the picture.

There is an overall freshness to this album which kicks off with the upbeat Broken Wheel, with shimmering guitars, there's a demo recording of You Don't Want Me Around, a travel- inspired Eastbound, the songs come thick and fast as most are under three minutes long.

The exception is a four-minute plus take of Dorsey Dixon's Wreck On The Highway which was recorded on a day off while on tour. It's a double vocal with spiky guitar and solid drums and bass. Cracking stuff.

Tell It To You is an upbeat romp, Gimmie Your Hands has a more subtle acoustic flavour, Show Me How is another black, brooding song.

There is such variety on this album and it repays repeated listening.

John Knighton