Lovespeech
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A project spearheaded by the Canadian drummer and producer Don Kerr, as Communism he welcomes Kurt Swinghammer, Kevin Lacroix, Tom Richards, Paul Metcalfe, Emily Steinwell and John Pittman to this energetic and diverse sophomore album.
“I Held You Down” opens the listen with a firm beat, as Lacroix’s bass and synthesizer help make for a charming and lively energy, and “Step Away” follows with Swinghammer’s guitar and vocals helping cultivate a playful and upbeat demeanor.
Elsewhere, “Is It A Lie?” benefits much from Richards’ bright brass and Metcalf’s well timed saxophone for the precisely layered climate, while “Love In Your Heart” recruits Pittman’s charming trumpet for the dance floor ready album highlight.
Approaching the end, “What Are We Doing Here?” is populated by meticulous bass lines and frisky vocal acrobatics and “Us Together” exits with Steinwell’s dreamy flute amid the buzzing synth and quirky pop nods of the cinematic finish.
A very festive affair that doesn’t shy away from ‘80s influences, the themes of regret, yearning, empowerment, loss, psychedelia and chaos are presented in artistic ways that embrace funk, prog, and dance sounds that you can’t help but enjoy.
Travels well with: Caroline Wiles- Grateful; Lunar Bloom- Running Deep