Shady Lane is the musical brainchild of Jordy Lane… at least it was. Built Guilt, finds the Sydney-sider expanding his solo moniker into a fully-fledged band, with the addition of Pete Avard (drums), Sarah Jullienne (synth) and most notably, Conrad Richters on bass; on loan from label-mates Richard In Your Mind.
The result is more of a team effort, with a graceful pendulum swing between hazy rock and their more experimental, electronically-tinged excursions.
Rather than sounding like a young band flip-flopping between genres however, these stylistic migrations are handled with confidence, experience and – in ‘Gwimnoddles’’ references to ‘soft dicks’ – a good dash of humour.
More importantly, the gauzy , psychedelic touches don’t dominate, but enhance the flavour of Shady Lane’s pop sensibilities. The likes of ‘Eraser Brain’ and ‘Fluff n Stuff’ demonstrate a taste for the eccentric without forgoing the accessibility needed for listeners’ to join in the fun.
