Lake Street Dive’s New Album Is “Obviously” a Winner

March 15, 2021 by Michela Arlia

Obviously Album Cover Art

Lake Street Dive’s latest release, Obviously, is pure joy to the ears. The band’s newest album introduces 11 tracks that differ vastly, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Lake Street Dive -Relaxation/ photo by Shervin Lainez/ courtesy of Sacks & Co.

Lake Street Dive -Relaxation Time/ photo by Shervin Lainez/ courtesy of Sacks & Co.

Their sound emits pop-infused jazz with base foundations of classic rock, among other genres, as the ease of Rachel Price’s effortless vocals support a variety of the tracks with her raw and inviting voice, as in the R&B sounds of tracks like “Same Old News” and “Hypotheticals.” All the elements come across with such simplicity and sway, it is difficult to not to tap a foot or bop your head along.

Joining Price in a female power ballad, Nobody’s Stopping You Know, is bassist Bridget Kearney as they sing to a track that serves as the perfect segue to a summer of hope after a long and dark period of time for the entire world. The vocalists show no fear of showcasing their voices as they speak to listeners with wise words of wisdom with lyrics such as “It’s OK to let the real you out.”

Lake Street Dive -Musings /photo by Shervin Lainez/ courtesy of Sacks & Co.

The rugged, blues sounds in tracks like Hush Money showcase the musical talents of both Mikes in the band, Olson and Calabrese, as Olson on the guitar plays an easy going yet dominant sound that blends perfectly with Calabrese on the drums, manipulating a true rock sound during their featured, yet short, musical interlude.

Keyboard instrumentalist Akie Bermiss plays to his strengths in “Lackluster Lover” and even lends his vocals to tracks like “Same Old News,” with runs and harmonies that complement Price’s vocals.

Lake Street Dive -Every Which Way /photo by Shervin Lainez /courtesy of Sacks & Co.

Instead of serving as cookie cutter pop artists, the group defies all norms of the genre, to create their own unique sound. There is no true answer to what group they truly identify with, and it provides listeners with many surprises, as they take the journey through the world of this album.

The tenth track on the album, “Feels Like the Last Time,” takes a dive into a different realm of music from the nine tracks before it. With a hint of a cappella acoustics and hearty harmonies, this stripped-down sound showcases all the incredible musical abilities the band has to offer.

The same distinguishable sound continues into the final track, “Sarah,” transporting the listener into a choir-like setting, picturing vaulted ceilings and song by candlelight to capture the entire essence of the track, as well as a great way to end the album.

Each song on the album lures and captures one’s attention in a way that is seldom heard in music these days and listeners should thoroughly enjoy every second of Obviously.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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