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

    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 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.