Tropical Depression
ABC/Sony, 2024
9/10
The Australian native and Nashville resident Jordie Lane returns with an unclassifiable 4th album, where ‘60s ideas and folk moments won’t be hard hard to spot or appreciate.
The stylish and soulful “Back, Out There” opens the listen with Lane’s expressive pipes and plenty of atmosphere that’s not lacking grooves, and “Biscuit House” follows with a rare intimacy that’s aglow with sincerity and warmth.
Moving into the middle, “Different Worlds” comes with a stirring dreaminess that unfolds via a heartfelt mood, while “Friends” is a retro and frisky moment that benefits from harmonic singing and timeless folk song craft.
Deeper still, “Internal Dialogue” unfolds with a poetic quality that’s cozy and relatable, and “Been Lucky” exits with sophisticated keys and expressive singing that’s gentle and strategically repetitive for effect.
Lane was born to parents who were a comedian and clown, and he was raised in a circus life. His music, however, is no joke, and quite possibly some of the best modern folk you’re likely to hear.
Travels well with: The W Lovers- For A Day Or A Lifetime; Tucker Woods- Sunshine Blues