Hailing from the Golden State and harbouring a sound seeped in alt country goodness, La Sera’s fourth album finds the Cali band upping their melodic side and having a bit more fun with it.
Chiefly the project of ex-Vivian Girl Katy Goodman, on 'Music…' she’s joined by an additional member in the shape of her new husband, Todd Wisenbaker, on guitar and vocal duties. The result is an often-lush album that mixes up the girl-gang grooves of her old band with helpings of honeyed country rock.
Produced by Ryan Adams in a week flat, the record’s analogue production leaves grit and flaws, yet it’s also what gives the LP its warmth and character. Opener ‘High Notes’ is a good example, its rockabilly leanings mixing with a Johnny Marr-esque indie-pop sound. Other highlights such as the rodeo rock of ‘I need an Angel’ and the downbeat, delicate strums of ‘Shadow Of Your Love’ show La Sera’s sound is both evolving and expanding.
This may not be their defining album, but you get the sense that in moving away from their punkier roots, La Sera’s best work may be just around the corner.
7/10
Words: Clarke Geddes
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