Comments for Verlaines, Way Out Where

Another excellent album from the Dunedin-based Verlaines (Graeme Downes: composition, guitars, vocals, keyboards; Darren Stedman: drums; Mike Stoodley: bass; Paul Winders: guitars, vocals). Produced by Joe Chiccarelli, Way Out Where, when compared to their previous release, Ready to Fly, is slightly on the grungy side, with a lot more low frequency in the mix from all central instruments, and guitar distortion used more extensively (which does tend to mask some of the subtleties in the music). Dr. Downes`s singing has greatly improved, and his music offers that rare combination of superb lyrics and wonderfully intricate music. An emotion-charged surging power-pop-rock-classical (?!) record, which is both highly accessible and greatly rewarding to listen to.