Explorer Tapes

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Explorer Tapes

Omnivore, 2021

9/10

Listen to Explorer Tapes

You’ve probably never heard of Explorer Tapes before, but if you’ve explored Keith Urban’s music, you’ve probably heard their song “Texas Time”, which Urban popularized. Though this debut album was recorded in 2015, label issues have kept it shelved until now, and Max Townsley and Drew Erickson, the heart and soul of band, don’t waste anytime impressing us with their strong songwriting prowess.

“All Depends On You” leads the album with a firm beat as a playful and punchy version of power pop unfolds with smooth singing and flowing guitars, and “Texas Time” follows with plenty of soul entering the warm, stylish climate that benefits from falsetto singing and funk flavor.

In the middle, “Washed Away” enters dreamy territory with some ‘80s nods amid the strings and keys, while “Change Looks Good On You” goes back even further as the infectious retro energy and grooves will get you heading onto the dance floor. “More Than One Can Say” then enters balladry, where soothing acoustic guitar and poetic singing makes for an intimate delivery.

The bonus tracks are quite well done, and includes the synthetic drumming and melodic rock of “Sunset Strip”, and “Still Love Lindsay” exits the listen with a frisky version of pop-rock that’s quite modern in its timeless nature.

Townsley and Erickson are Texans, but ventured to Los Angeles to finish this album and they sure did construct a pop oriented affair tailor made for the FM dial, and it benefits much from Mike Elizondo’s production, bass and keys, as well as Aaron Sterling’s drumming, among many others.

Travels well with: Dennis Lloyd- Some Days; Hiatus- Distancer