Throwing it back to the British Invasion era, Atlanta-based rocker Duane Hoover doesn’t dance around his motifs and intentions, jumping straight into guitar-powered euphoria and buoyant punk elements. ‘Wayward Path’ is the strongest evidence of that. A dynamic, mercurial album, it provides a compelling and measured stream of Beatles-esque rock’n’roll and Who-oriented fierceness, making for a record that’s empowering, digestible and rather well-executed.
Now, we do understand that not everyone might appreciate what Hoover is up to – after all, the album is somewhat nostalgic, paying homage to an era that is largely gone. Yet, there’s something refreshing about hearing such a vibrant, wholesome and uplifting collection of songs. Duane is embracing simplicity and relatable lyrical flair, something that’s quickly evident in power-pop pieces such as the title track, ‘Wayward Path’, a welcome respite from the early punk explorations of ‘Jennifer Juniper’.
There’s a whiff of Gary Numan, vocally speaking, a reference that might be a tad off-topic here, but that’s nevertheless always interesting to note. ‘Over The Years’ jumps into reflective pop territories, also showcasing Hoover’s vocal qualities, with playful harmonies and an elegant delivery crowning the rich, old-school arrangement.
Recommended! Discover ‘Wayward Path’ on Spotify:
