At first listen, ‘The Last Romantic’ appears as a three-dimensional, eclectic album, a mixture of nostalgic pop flavouring and guitar-driven retro glamour with a heightened lyrical outlook. It’s a nuanced, heartfelt and partly evocative record, with ballad-esque efforts such as ‘Balloons Pop’ gracefully contrasting with vintage new wave pieces, the likes of ‘My Little Secret’, among others. What we appreciate the most in the LP, though, is the constant balance and push-and-pull between alternative instrumental influences and more conventional mainstream songwriting.
It’s a fragile ecosystem, wonderfully orchestrated by Bay Area musical heroes Bray & The Dens. On a mission to thread the fine line between nostalgia and the contemporary, the group appears to end up on a rather timeless formula, borrowing from each decade with gusto and charisma. Production is expertly crafted, giving the album a full, striking sound, both fuzzy and magnetic, yet luscious and hypnotic. Head Honcho Bray’s lead vocals are incredibly elegant and expressive, truly owning the wholesome and vibrant character behind the record.
Boasting a long and successful career, including six world tours and eleven US TV placements, Bray has once again penned a real stunner, a slice of gripping moodiness and colourful aural livery. Delving deeper into the album, he explains: “It’s equal parts noir and neon, zoomed in on the fragile negotiations we make with ourselves and the people we love.”
Recommended! Discover ‘The Last Romantic’ on Spotify:
