aaamusic | On 04, Mar 2012

Australia-born Nic Capelle and the band which revolves around him have a new adventure to unveil to the world – Crooked Deluxe, 12-track strong and with some interesting tricks to show. Kicking off with Paisty Lectric, the record’s set of values are clearly laid out from the very start: a visceral funk sensibilty embodied in stomping basslines and rhythmic guitars, a little RHCP and a little Lenny Kravitz, with an overlaying rock credo dominating these tracks; a subtle sense of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Capelle’s mix feels consistently good track after track, then Memory hits; at which point you realise that that’s not all there is: the man’s got some voice, too. And a grippling, raw one at that; one that adds the final layer to a bold and fresh record with the hooks all in the right places. The odd change of tone comes with All My Life, a melancholy moment which feels somewhat out of place here. Not that it matters all that much; Crooked Deluxe shows a man with a vision and the means to articulate it.

 

Chiara Amoretto