It’s Worth It
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The sophomore album from the Delay Tactics guitarist David Udell, the 10 tracks welcome many guests and unfold with a diverse and timeless brand of rock.
The thick guitar of “Watching The Freak Parade” starts with Udell’s smooth pipes alongside the many instruments he plays, and “It’s Beginning To Look Like Rain” follows with a calmer pace, where Jackie Niebylski’s fluid bass and Dominic Schaeffer’s well timed keys add much to the melodic climate.
“Our River” occupies the middle spot and carries a dreamy aspect amid the crunchy rock, while “Made My Peace” welcomes Mike Long’s drums, Jack Spanin’ clavinet and Tracy Wynkoops bass to the rich and textured album highlight.
The final 2 tracks, “Unexplored Expanses” and “It’s Worth It”, don’t disappoint either. The former is a bit spacey, where Carolyn Udell’s voice and Walter Whitney’s synth add mystery, and the latter recruits Margaret Bianchetta’s gorgeous pipes to the intimate and thoughtful exit.
Somewhere between prog-rock, art-rock and psychedelic and indie sounds, Udell cut his teeth in the St. Louis ‘80s outfit Wax Theatricks, and he proves here that his work is still relevant, exciting and memorable.
Travels well with: Tom Salvatori- La Bella Vita; Tim Solook- Changed Lives