Rating: NNNN
On his sophisticated psychedelic lead single, Lost Something, Michael Rault’s focus is on the past. But it’s a past he’s carrying forward, in the same way that he’s swept up musical influences from the 60s and 70s and spun them confidently into his new album.
Almost all seven tracks bear repeated listens, and some – like Stonesesque Real Love Yeah – sound like instant classics. Rault pulls off what would usually be cheesy fluttering flute sounds and whooshy synth parts with aplomb on the mellow yet urgent standout Too All My Friends, while his songwriting shines in Lovers Lie, which is full of poetic truths. The quietly distorted blues of Hiding From A Heartbreak, meanwhile, would do Jack White proud.
Top track: Lost Something
Michael Rault plays Handlebar tonight (Thursday, June 19), and St. James Park and Smiling Buddha (Saturday, June 21) as part of NXNE.