MLC
Believe, 2019
8/10
The recording moniker of youngster Jonny Shane, who, after some chance encounters with Ben Kweller, fleshed out this debut album at Kweller’s Texas home with additional help from Cameron Knight (Alt-J) and Jacob M Berry (Two Door Cinema Club).
“West” starts the listen atmospheric and with smooth vocals on the dark pop tune that bursts into a fuzzy, stadium sized affair, and “In A City” follows with an anthemic quality in its thumping alt-pop prowess.
Elsewhere, “Greenwich Girl” uses electronic strategically in the cautious landscape, while “Sweet Like Me” flows with a more percussive offering and bouncy structure of sugary sweet textures.
Near the end, “Ali” brings a busy setting with some of the best singing on the album as Shane pays homage to his now deceased friend who wrote the tune, and “Stay Young” ends the listen with distinct nods to the ‘80s on a driving, vibrant exit.
An extremely polished affair, as Modern Love Child Shane has his finger on the pulse of all things widely embraced in today’s indie-pop scene, and like many other young musicians, he left the East Coast for California to make this dream a reality. Based on the strength of this record, I’m guessing he’ll be one of the artists to leave an indelible mark.
Travels well with: Alt-J- This Is All Yours; Ben Kweller- I’m On My Way