Oh Contraire!
Think Like A Key, 2025
9/10
The UK artist Nick Frater wrote, performed, recorded, mixed and produced all the songs across this adventurous psyche-pop album.
“Fanfare” leads with the bright brass and animated strings that are complemented by Danny Wilkerson’s fluid drumming, and “My Heart’s In Stereo” follows with a driving mood that welcomes smooth vocals for the power-pop fueled melodies.
Moving into the middle, “Final Reminder” comes with a dreamy backdrop amid Tom Shotton’s skilled drumming, while “One Minute” invites singing along immediately to the animated melodies and retro-pop fun.
Arriving close to the end, the rich “Dreaming Of A Wonderland” makes great use of Luke Smith’s hand clapping via the sunny album highlight, and “Goodnight, Goodbye” exits with an intimate moment that’s guided by sophisticated piano and sublime strings.
Frater plays 20+ instruments here, and each song follows a path unique from the one before it for a truly timeless affair that could have been penned in any decade since the ‘60s.
Travels well with: John Howard- For Those That Wander By; Matt Tecu + Fernando Perdomo- Getting Warmer