Dave Jakes is the former lead singer with alternative rock band Lonely The Brave. He left the band amicably saying that touring and playing live were having a negative effect on his mental health. David has his self-titled debut solo mini album out this month with piano contributions from Jamie Cameron and viola from Rachel Lanskey, best-known collectively as The Last Dinosaur. He also enlisted Melissa Baker and Grace Kuhl to contribute their vocal talents.
`Been In My Dream` opens up this release and is a song about longing. It conjures a story of finding connection through a reality different to that of the one in front our eyes and brings with it the familiar sensation of shapes from dreams that continue to linger in the half-light once we’re awake. It`s a quite mesmerising track as the drum beats out a steady hypnotic pace as synths sway throughout and the singer`s rich vocals alight atop with a lulling effect at times. The vocals seem more remote on `Silhouettes` which has a quite melodic intensity giving it an almost anthemic feel. The piano and strings are nearly competing as the drum beats out a steady pace.
`Caterwaul` has a much more expansive rousing feel although it`s written about doomed relationships. Maybe a cleansing cathartic process but a song that enjoys some nice backing harmonies to the lead vocal. There`s a laid back but still intense texture to `Lean the Light` which does have its moments of exhilaration throughout.
The bizarrely titled `Diggy’s Pushing Holes Out` apparently about dinosaurs has an enchanting ballad like passion about it. Again, piano and viola set up a platform for the vocals to soar. A song about workplace bullying follows with `Echelon` which has it`s rock out slightly belligerent moments during this dreamlike offering.
This release closes with `Be The Apple` concerning family breakdowns. Once again it`s an alluring number which becomes quite spellbinding at times.
There was much to enjoy on this album, and it will become a must have for fans of bands such as Keane, Doves and Elbow. There are some intense offerings and anthemic pieces, but a few rockier offerings would be welcomed. Nevertheless it`s good to see Dave Jakes back in a happier and healthier place composing and sharing his passion of music.
Rating 8/10
