Jack Ladder and The Dreamlanders – Blue Poles (Barely Dressed Records)

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Jack Ladder is back with his fifth studio album Blue Poles. While known for his gallows humour and darker perspective on life, this time I swear I can hear a smile in his voice.

But before we start, let’s call out the elephant in the room now. When you hear the opening tracks Can’t Stay (which has elements of Cake) and Dates and Susan, they sound like, smell like, and taste like, Nick Cave. There is no point hiding it and that is not a bad thing at all. In fact, it feels like he has not only embraced that influence but found a new gear and melody that both surprises and enchants.

Susan is a classic example of what I mean. A heavily weighted synth sound to accompany the verse, mixed with low heartbeat vocals to start with, followed by a wonderful meandering chorus that lifts up from the initial gloom to something bright and warm.

Overall, he has reined in the dark 80s over-produced, emphasised sound from the past as well. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still there but nowhere near as obvious as it has been in previous albums, particularly his 2015 release Not Worth Waiting For.

Also, still lurking is the dark reflective solemn sound that is best displayed in Blue Mirror and Tell It Like It Is.  But that is as far as we get to give a nod to the past.

White Flag and the latest single Feel Brand New bring a new level of optimism and melody that become more and more infectious after each play. The latter is one of my favourites and I suspect that many listeners will resonate with the lyrics and enjoy it more after each listen.

 Merciful Reply closes the album and, while not one of my favourites, playing the album end-to-end kind of works and leaves you thinking that the best is yet to come but it’s not that far away.

There is much to like about Blue Poles. Overall it has a greater maturity, both in structure and flow, and is Ladder’s best effort yet. Less is more in this case. The album is well produced with a great feel and vibe, letting Ladder’s lighter and brighter side shine through.

So, if you haven’t heard of Jack Ladder and the Dreamlanders before now, this is a great place to start. You will hear someone who is keen to tell you a yarn or two, mix in a little black humour and not take himself too seriously along the way.

Blue Poles is due out on May 4th.

David Boyle

Album Tracklist:

  • Can’t Stay
  • Dates
  • Susan
  • I.N.M
  • Blue Mirror
  • Tell It Like It Is
  • White Flag
  • Feel Brand New
  • Merciful Reply
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