By Martin Boulton
Flying under the radio radar
"Why isn't he better known than he is?" A fair enough question from one bemused reviewer when singer/songwriter Ben Salter released his stunning previous album The Stars My Destination in 2015. It's a question we've pondered here at Sticky too, having listened to much of Salter's solo work, stretching back to his 2011 album The Cat and the European Vacation EP a couple of years later. Today he releases new album Back Yourself (on ABC Music) and as the title suggests, Salter has again put his craft ahead of more humdrum pursuits, delivering another wonderful collection of songs. "I'm really proud of this album," he said, and so he should be. After two decades recording, writing and performing here and overseas, whatever Salter lacks in an ARIA award-wining profile he more than makes up for with talent and hard work. Make no mistake, he's been nominated for a few ARIA awards as part of the Wilson Pickers, but his solo work is where he tackles "life, love, death, the nature of reality, video games and following your gut instinct" with a fearlessness that makes him stand out from other Australian musicians. "I recorded it (the new album) over the past 12 months in my new home of Tasmania, although I wasn't living here when I recorded it," he said. "I roped in a bunch of collaborators and guest musicians including Conor Macdonald (the Gin Club), Marlon Williams, Jeff Lang, fellow loud mouth Gemma Sharard and 'Blackie' (Peter Black) from the Hard-Ons ... saxophonist Julien Wilson and multi-instrumentalist Piotr Nowotnik." Back Yourself is out now. For Ben Salter's October and November tour dates, go to bensalter.com.au
album of the week
Davey Lane
I'm Gonna Burn Out Bright
(Capgun Kids/MGM)
★★★½
He's developed a reputation as the go-to-guitar-guy for some of Australia's best-known acts, while in between his near two-decade gig with You Am I, Davey Lane has also whittled away on numerous solo projects. His latest is a glittering palette of pop songs. There's a melancholy undercurrent lyrically here, but overall this upbeat, joyous second solo album from Lane could soundtrack your summer. Taurus All Apart leaps out with its punchy drums and soaring vocals, while guest appearances from Dorsal Fins, Saskwatch and Laura Jean among others are testament to his adventurous musical style.
selecta
Beast Epic – Iron & Wine
Jen Cloher – Jen Cloher
Era Vulgaris – Queens of the Stone Age