A supernova is a stellar explosion of a massive supergiant star and this album is an understated big bang.
In the late 2000’s Ray LaMontagne was the epitome of bearded acoustic folk music with his hit album Trouble, but now he’s back with a new album that sees a shift away from his usual one man and a guitar show.
The album is instantly more whimsical and more likeable in many ways. First track ‘Lavender’ is a woozy song that introduces you to a very different Ray. Asking if we remember the day we felt that way in a lavender field is nothing short of dreamy.
Ray LaMontagne – Supernova
For this album he teamed up with Dan Auerbac from The Black Keys to produce it and it shows with more synths and electric guitar riffs. He’s a lot less troubled and more reflective after 10 years in the industry.
Throughout the record there are lots of spacy synths and a heavy 60’s psychedelic influence but there are still classic Ray falsetto growls scattered throughout. ‘Ojai’ and ‘Drive-in Movies’ are more like the old LaMontagne but it’s still not as raw and passionate as his previous work which is the only downfall of the album.
On ‘Airwaves’ his voice is softer and at times barely a whisper. The addition of a ukulele makes it the perfect soundtrack to a beach bar drink it’s hard not to be seduced by him. By the time it gets to title track Supernova and he croons ‘I want you to be my girl’ you are merely putty in his hands.
‘She’s the One’and ‘Julia’are prime examples of the Auerbac influence. They’re well-polished with catchy guitar riffs making the album one that could take LaMontagne mainstream. In ‘Pick Up a Gun’ he sings “I never want to see your face again” but it’s said so dreamily over romantic “ah’s” you don’t notice the joyless lyrics.
Be warned all you’ve ever known about Ray has just changed in Supernova . Almost like if your Dad has just shaved off the moustache he’s had for 20 years; you’re not used it but ultimately its better. It will take a few listens to adjust to his new sound but it’s worth it.
Taking you on a wistful journey without ever getting boring and the songs are catchy without being annoying; potentially the perfect album.
9 out of ten for a stellar comeback album.
