Make no mistake Brad Cox is groomed for that high octane tub thumping stage moment when a powerful sound reverberates around an arena and remnants of country evaporate in a haze of rock, both in a soft and hardened fashion. There is also the ingredient designed to fuel a chase for that competitive buck harnessed by country radio and road mapped by an industry smart enough to tap into profitable trends. MY MIND'S PROJECTION is loaded upfront with these credentials, yet there is a subtle underpinning when you strip away the pretence. Cox is astute enough to pack the rump of this album with a hybrid sound that widens the expanse of influence. He excels at the sensitive country rock ballad and is determined enough to push his writing to the fore. Of course like any major label backed project the writing falls into the realms of the team approach, but you feel that Cox is in control and what you get is straight from his own heart and soul.
From the rich seam of a modern country heritage that at least draws influence from the outback, Brad Cox operates on a dual continent basis and has made inroads in a US circuit dominated by alpha tendencies as well as conquering his homeland. This Aussie from New South Wales has much to offer in a record that is drawing accolades from the hierarchy back home. For those prepared to veer off the up front and in your face offering of opening duo 'Hold Me Back' and 'Drinking Season', there is an absolute gem of a track in the guise of 'Wasted Time' right in the gut of this record. Here Cox opens up his Aussie soul to bare the fruits of his craft with a track that coats itself with a contemporary roots sheen. Pairing this track with another stellar offering in 'Thought I Knew Love' is a smart move to woo those wanting a little more than a sandwich filling without the substantial crust.
There is further fluctuation as the album heads down its virtual highway with the bright breezy and optimistic 'I Keep Driving' getting things back on track after a misfiring gear change with 'Give Me Tonight', another track primed to attack a market. By the time we get to the penultimate song, Cox is prepared to let his bluesy inhibitions free with the shiftier darkness of 'Caught in a Noose by a Stranger', an eight minute epic ripe for album junkies. Earlier in the record it was the rhythm part added to the blues as the motion sways to the hip swinging beat of the title track 'My Mind's Projection' complete with a fleeting dose of brass.
Perhaps the one track that defines the album is 'Remedy', a fully-fledged rock ballad featuring fellow Aussie Adam Eckersley. One that is of the highest order and punches well in the company of illustrious peers. Prior to this, Cox slots in 'Short Lived love' that acts as a bridging track from stomping opening to the softer inner belly. In one final act of duality, as pompous as the album began Cox chooses to deftly leave the scene with the pensive 'I Still Want More'.
MY MIND'S PROJECTION does have contrasting shades that broaden the appeal. Whether you buy into the uptempo promotional element or the refiner inner sanctum, bases are amply covered. Brad Cox successfully channels a commercial drive with artistic integrity to show that a brash brazen sound can have sufficient cultured edges to stand the test of critical ears. Every tip of the hat this album gets is richly deserved.