The music of Beth Lee creates images of a pre-techno age where fanzines and record shop rustling preceded websites and surfing streaming sites. There is an element of coolness and innocence to the sound emanating from her debut album as she spins on an axis of post-punk indie new wave rock 'n' roll while occasionally reaching out in a more sensitive direction. This Austin-based artist has previously traded under the fabulous moniker Beth Lee and the Break Ups, a band that ultimately took their name too literally. Now the dial is moved forward with the release of WAITING ON YOU TONIGHT - an eleven track album blessed with an outstanding lead song that thrives with playlist magnetism.
The slated track arrives early in the album, slotting in straight after the title track doubles ups as the lead off number. 'Yale Street and 45' is rich with a great melody and sweet nostalgia, two dimensions that made an instant impression and keeps the head scratching of reminding you of a memorable song that you just can't put your finger on. The good thing about that is you never tire of playing it to try to trigger that memory.
Prior to the standout track gracing the canvas, 'Waiting on You Tonight' greets you with a pulsating beat and an early reminder that good old rock 'n' roll is going to play its part. A little reading reveals Vicente Rodriguez as a driving force behind the record, a musician noted for his work with Chuck Prophet, and that influence is detected in the soundtrack composed to supplement Lee's often wistful vocals.
Th vocals and the instrumentation do juxtapose in places, although there are plenty of tender moments especially the pairing of 'Understand Me' and 'It Was Enough' in the latter stages. The former drools in a 70s soulful pop territory, while the latter swoons in a haze of 60s doo wop. Occasionally you feel the album is torn between the sensitive moments and those of a higher intensity. 'Pens and Needles' is a splendid mid-album moment where the indie vibes take over and you are awash in a cloud of new wave meets alt-country. Loads of twangy and chiming guitar fill the airwaves to please junkies of this type of music.
While the soundtrack tends to be the overwhelming feature from the early plays, further listens shine a light on Lee's calming measured vocals. They evoke a dreamy alluring state in 'Playin' Along' and create an air of placidity in album closer 'All the Way'.
Maybe it's the idealistic romanticism that wins the day when you let WAITING ON YOU TONIGHT run its course. You can choose your moment of induced nostalgia and I'm going to pump for mid 80s, but that is down to the era of the listener. Whatever is taken from this album, Beth Lee has eased swiftly into the role of solo artist and delivered an album of considerable note.
