Singer/songwriter Juan Alban’s old band Epicure, spawned in the fertile and fiercely independent Ballarat music scene, garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim. Epicure mastered the art of harnessing and encompassing both light and shade. Alban, now flying solo, achieves a similar balancing act on his intelligent and thoughtful debut album. The dreamy country-tinged indie rock of the title track occasionally slips into the type of moody swing that propelled that old folk classic Codeineand boasts spectral yet pretty backing vocals and plaintive guitar that will haunt and charm.
The happy toe-tapping melodies, sweet vocals and cheery rhythms of Universe cleverly mask the darkness and angst that pulses through jagged lyrics such as: “Kick my teeth in, count me out/ the universe keeps pushing me around.” Alban has always been an accomplished vocalist and his voice is a stunning highlight of this album. There is a yearning tone to his voice which at times conjures memories of Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke and even Neil Young.
The strength and resonance of his incredibly evocative vocals are particularly apparent on the mesmerising and elegiac track Bodies which builds in intensity as it moves from a gentle folky intro to a chorus that will leave appreciative goose bumps dancing across your arms. Dr Pelican On Holiday! is an enchanting musical experience worth cherishing.
BY GRAHAM BLACKLEY
Best Track: Bodies
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Sigh No More MUMFORD & SONS
In A Word: Enchanting
