It was a late arrival to the year's album stack and straight out of left field. For those used to Paul Lush playing his trademark lead guitar in numerous collaborations (most notably in Danny and the Champions of the World), a little re-adjustment is needed as right up front is the place he frequents for this debut solo release in name. From a usual position of not participating in any vocal role, this London-based Aussie sings lead, plays lead and is the architect of a dozen carefully curated absorbing songs. SIX WAYS FROM SUNDAY toys, teases and invites before capturing the inquisitive and astute ear.
As you would expect from a record with Paul Lush at the centre, guitar instrumental interludes are rife with plenty of pedal steel found courtesy of fellow Champion of the World player Henry Senior. Also enhancing the familiar profile is a certain Danny George Wilson, this time faintly heard on backing vocals leaving his long term collaborator to own the show. There are plenty of rock and country influences in the content and from a distant perspective this is another valued addition to the canon of alt-country music that has emanated from the capital over the decades.
The content is packed with a host of tempting and fruitful numbers. Lengthy titles jump up from the page before dipping in and in someway they reflect the lyrical compositions that are fairly extensive in places, although a nifty guitar solo is usually just around the corner. The vocals possess an element of dryness and come from a unique channel. They require a few plays to get used to, while a neutral accent stance leaves any expected London or Aussie lilt in the locker.
Digging deeper into the record reveals plenty of noted selling points. Many lauded albums have a memorable closing sequence. Here the penultimate piece 'For What it is Worth' possesses a finale feel with the volume turned up on a song sang with intent and deep felt honesty. Almost like a pre-encore moment at a gig. This leaves space for a cracking closer as proceedings drip in pure country gold for the emotive 'Trail of My Tears'. A theme reflecting on being parted from a family at a young age is pretty strong terrain. Pedal steel plays the role it was born for and only a Paul Lush song could be anointed 'Many Chords and Truth'.
Associated sounds sometime come to the fore when listening to a new record. Jangly vibes and familiar backing vocals liken 'As It Stands' to The Dreaming Spires and Bennett Wilson Poole. Elsewhere the atmospheric charm to 'Soft Peddling' harks a similarity to Lachlan Bryan. This spoken-like style comes into play with 'Someone That You Used to Know'. Other tracks creating a stir in the second half include a lulled tone to 'You Just Know When You Know' and a delicate frailty seeping out of 'No One Comes Out of This Looking Good'
A decent melody and scintillating guitars get things underway in 'Don't Tell Me That Now'. Sincerity reigns supreme in the second track 'Ever at a Loss' with the introduction of steel and extended mandolin filtering in a country sound. Riffs tumble out of 'You Could've At Least Said Something', while the final two pieces in the first half jigsaw contrast to a degree. A lengthy outro jumps from 'Phillip, You Need to Hear This' where your judgement swings between cold and warm comfort. A mellow lullaby is one way to describe the pensive yearning love theme to 'In a Heartbeat'.
Paul Lush branching out does have previous in some respect as being behind the Araluen release a couple of years back. However this record is a lot bolder and steps right out into the limelight. You feel there is merit to bringing these songs to a live setting. Practically, trialling them in select festival slots would test the water.
A touch of patience and created space enabling the project to grow is a tested way to let this album crack the code. Paul Lush has emerged from the quiet zone with a bag of poignant songs to prove a hit. SIX WAYS FROM SUNDAY is a record with a refined allure to it. Where it leads remains steadfast for another day. The present has a deft record to shine on its horizon.