Everywhere You Go – Take Oh, Weatherly With You
The cover of this debut offering all the way from Texas (Yee-haw!), reminds me of that pink bubble gum, which tastes great at first, then loses its flavour all too quickly. I therefore approach with mild trepidation. They’ll probably hate me for saying this, but it needs to be said, here goes. Pop punk poster boys is what springs to mind (faint…. swoon…give us a second to scrape myself up off the floor.)
Romance is alive and kicking as the record starts with the opening track “Here Tonight”.
Singer Blake Roses, such an apt name for love and romance, tells tales of “I know that you’re the one” at a blistering pace, leaving you all hot and bothered.
“You always call at the wrong time” pounds against my eardrums, as the second tune continues in similar vein. Reminiscent of American Hi Fi, the tunes are catchy, ideal music to kick back and relax to, share a few beers with your mates and enjoy the sunshine. Also, perfect if you are just having some down time on your own, then here is your companion. Tunes you can dance around in the kitchen to without the slightest inhibition. Sounds contradictory but here are joyous melodies of broken hearts, unrequited love, being head over heels or just having a moan about someone who has done you wrong.
Who said the path to true love ran smoothly?
“Chasing California” contains the album title “Lips Like Oxygen” and also the knife through the heart lyric “You’re always a let down”. The disappointment continues with “I Think I Want You”, don’t be fooled like I was. There’s me thinking “oohh. he wants me, but oh no, he wants me to leave.
Are you sobbing into your pillow yet?
“Burned Out” is anthemic, huge chorus and words that tell it like it is. Truth hurts, love hurts and Oh, Weatherly you are to blame. This is my favourite track.
“Burn all the clothes I left in your closet”. Yessir, I’ll do it right away!
It’s a bit lively this one; like one of those little yappy dogs, snapping at your heels, chasing you down a one- way street. You will get cornered and you will succumb. You may have heard it before, but I think you can make room for a little one. It is a solid collection of three-minute (approx.) wonders that convey romantic chagrin with gusto.
“Keep On Listening” is next, so I’ll do what I’m told, and I find hints of Enuff Z’Nuff, remember them? We have a ballad that is a break in the battle, phones and lighters at the ready please.
Love should be an Olympic sport with all the obstacles and odds that are stacked against you, and this is the soundtrack. I hope it is not used as elevator music in the future.
“Never forget that it can only get better” is a line that ameliorates, comforts and offers optimism once you’ve wept forever and a day.
I like songs that start upbeat and then have a slower section, only to re-engage with the vigour and energy at the beginning of the song. “Dark of the Night” does that with a conviction and a trust that resonates throughout the album.
“I’ll bury my heart ‘cause it can carry the weight”
A line that would challenge the harshest of personalities, it is endearing and enrapturing.
In “Where have You Been?” you can almost see Blake Roses (swoon…) on his knees,
begging to “see you for one more day”.
I love the guitar work on “Love and Poetry”, now love- not really my thing but poetry is right up my street. Which is why you’ll note I am more drawn to the lyrics.
“Long drives can be so misleading” (I’m squealing with delight right now. I will be stealing this line for one of my poems in exchange for this fabulous review.)
The journey finishes with “Soaring”, quite befitting actually as you will be soaring, flying in the face of whatever has held you back in your life.
So, whether the weather be hot or not, keep on listening and you may just have to change your tune. I did.