Warning
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
The recording moniker of Los Angeles resident Alex Owen, as Lasers Lasers Birmingham the artist finds a unique spot to reside where country music, psychedelic stabs, and an overall sense weirdness exist.
The title track starts the listen with pedal steel and gentle rhythm as smooth vocals enter the Americana setting, and “Perfection in 3/4 Time” follows with breezy melodies in the rugged spirit that embraces all the hallmarks of traditional country sounds.
Elsewhere, “Sugar Momma” is delicate balladry that aches with rustic beauty, while “Lead Me On” finds lush ways to flow with rural ideas that mix in spacey rock tendencies and showcase the best harmonies present.
At the end, “Phantom Vibrations” moves with a bouncy pace and shuffling tempo as fiddles complement the affair, and “What A Shame” exits the listen indebted to Nashville, as louder moments of fuzzy rock enter the equation.
Owen has an all star cast of friends helping him here, including members of Ted Russell Kamp, Gospel BeacH, and Hamish Anderson, and together they breathe new breath into country music that’s certainly a little eccentric but also a whole lot of fun.
Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Steve Earle- Guy