Rating: NN
After Duane Lavold achieved a modicum of notoriety for setting the amorous voice-mails he’d been receiving from former Virgin Records head Nancy Berry to beats and sending the CDs to, among others, Virgin’s law department and Berry’s husband, Ken, a bit more was expected from Lavold’s debut as Custom than fifth-generation Beck rip-offs. On the unfortunately named Fast, Lavold drawls vaguely controversial lyrics about sex and plays the slacker over one bland alt-pop backing track after another. Perhaps 10 years ago the shapeless, predictable shuffle beats here would have been tolerable. At the very least, Lavold should have had the sense to include one or two of Berry’s love messages. Custom plays the Horseshoe Tuesday (April 9).
