Hands down, this is the best Alex Cameron release to date. Even with two misguided stylistic diversions near the end, Oxy Music is the most consistent thing this guy has offered up so far, and the first in his string of releases where the affectation of a style doesn't seem too annoying.
Opener "Best Life" purrs with a throwback, synth-y charm, while "Sara Jo" marries smart lyrics about stupid people to a hook that's almost like something we'd hear on an Eighties Hall & Oates record. Elsewhere, "Hold the Line" is spry, while the single "K Single" seems almost sincere. On earlier records, Cameron's affectation of a persona was so annoying to me that I'd have a hard time accepting the moments that were perhaps not part of the put-on, but this is so much better. A melody that's Fleetwood Mac-ish works its way forward under a vocal-line that's warm and direct, and that combines to make this one of Alex's best tracks ever. Unfortunately, Cameron jettisons his new consistency by veering off into rap-influenced pop on "Cancel Culture", and rather severe synth-pop on the closing title cut. But if you skip those two, Oxy Music is remarkably enjoyable.
Oxy Music is out on Friday via Secretly Canadian.
[Photo: Cameron Carter]