Slackstring

Lay Back

Self Released

(Slackstring MySpace)

Slackstring is back with its follow up to the immensely popular ‘Van Album’ and to be honest not much has changed. Except this time the four-piece has taken the production up a notch by adding a much bigger sound to its laid back stylings.

This change is instantly noticeable, right from the opening album title track, with lush strings supporting the band’s trademark summer style. The re-working of Slackstring’s most popular song, Sunday Jen, also gets a similar treatment. It’s difficult to say whether it makes an improvement on the song, it just seems more radio ready. There’s also some well-placed horns arrangements on the jazzy Reckon Ball, further evidence Slackstring has certainly put a lot of thought into crafting each song individually. This enhanced production pays off the most on the lush ballad Give it Some Time, with a combination of strings and accompanying guitar work which is stunning.

There is little reggae influence this time round, but my there are plenty of examples of my other favorite type of Slackstring song: the upbeat pop rock style. This is best represented with Out of Place, Yesterday and Give Your Love to Me. While Lay Back is pretty a fitting album title, the band does break free from time to time and has its most adventurous moment on the surf rock inspired Can’t Afford You.

Overall Slackstring has poured a lot more effort into the production of Lay Back and there is an obvious attempt to multi-layer the songs for a longer lasting effect. The band has also taken the safest route by mirroring its most successful moments from its debut, guaranteeing to still please old fans.

Reviewed by Pilipo

You can purchase Lay Back online here