The Lava Province's debut "Strangeway" is a shifty collection of acoustic driven songs with roots of classic rock of the 70's and 80's, with modulated discursions of unbridled pop sensibilities full of fine-toned hooks and melodous harmonies, with just the right amount of electric energy without being over-played. While lyrically tempermental and uncharacteristic of the fundamental old school pop standards.
"Strangeway" throws us a curve of moods and tenses of self depriciating lyrics, with a touch of new wave tunefullness, while spontaneously mellifluous. "The Sign" is articulated with a fierce timbre of distinctive edginess over a thoroughly bass driven conterpoint. "Back Here Again" is an enthusiastic song with a strong melodic cadence that is harmoniously enchanting. While, "Let It Go On" is a smooth laid back tune with silvery lyrics delivered in a modern alternative pop essence. "Come To Me" starts with an exhilarating and distinctive growl of early style hyper-electric surf guitar flowing into a vibrate mercybeat style blend of melodic pop, with the inflection of a modulated classic rock tune. While "Can't Keep Me Away" concides with a familiar pace.
"Better Off At Home" is an charming song housed with some of the alternative pop elements, while strongly dominated with a chipper sound and motif of traditional folk style sea shantie ballad, similar in nature of some of the English-French-Scotch-Irish chants, that men would sing aboard the ships with a reverberate calling out of a bouncy sing-along chorus in rhythm to their work, making this song cheerfully entertaining.
"Never Learned" is a beautiful easy listening acoustic folk themed song that comfortably conveys Vernot's fluent vocals. "California Dreamin" breezes on south to the border in classic style picking up the momentum bringing us into "April & October" with a bit of nostalgia with tangent lyrics in a sweet melody. Journeying onward with the perseverance of "An Average Man" in destiny to reach the top, bringing the album to an inspirational closure delivering a strong message to never give up.. until you reach the sky!
"Strangeway" is an articulately arranged album with all the fundamental elements of classic-pop rock with plenty of divergence to keep it innovative and pleasing!
Reviewed by: Jan (editor)
strangeway the sign back here again let it go on come to me can't keep me away better off at home never learned california dream april and october an average man
