David West's third solo album, 2022's
Jolly in the Bush, is emblematic of his musical career to date. Never content to travel one path, it's unlikely anyone could pin down what he might do on a given record with any amount of certainty. Except, of course, for the fact that it's sure to be something worth listening to. All of his musical detours -- whether the icy synth cabaret of
Liberation, the jangling indie pop of
Rat Columns, or his previous solo album Cherry on Willow, which added low-key glam rock to his repertoire -- are built on his unerring sense of melody, a slightly skewed vision of pop, and his reliably deadpan vocals. Working with a familiar cast of musicians that includes longtime cohort
Mikey Young and
Rat Columns' keyboardist Louis Hooper,
West plays to some of his already established strengths while doling out a few happy surprises too. He dips into the indie rock well to pull out some gems. The opening "The Poet of My Dreams" is four minutes of rollicking heaven that rides some wiry guitar riffing, some snappy drumming, and a low-slung vocal, while the record's second track, "6AM Style," is a fine example of dialed-down storytelling, the kind that plays it close to the vest like a classic
Only Ones album track. Some synthier songs, like the warbling "Sleeping Head" and downtempo middle-of-the-night ballad "You Must Be My Friend," show off
West's cold wave bona fides, while others like the chiming "You Saved My Life" and "So We Ran Away" are excellent examples of his feather-light touch when it comes to writing simple pop songs. That's all classic
West so far, with lyrics that are personal but never too deep and melodies that are creepy and lasting instead of sugar-smacked. The twist comes in the middle of the album, where he puts away the loud guitars and synths in favor of acoustic guitars. "Not That Lonely Yet" and "Letters from Home" are gentle, introspective ballads that prove once again that there isn't a style
West has fumbled yet. Judging by these two tracks, he would make a fine
Jacobites-style troubadour if he decides to go down that path. For now, this new style adds yet another dimension to his sound and makes
Jolly in the Bush his most musically diverse album yet. Maybe next time he'll tackle metal or trap or C&W. Whatever he does try, records like this are a solid indication that he'll make it into something special. ~ Tim Sendra