AS the frontman of Perth indie-rock band The Panics, Jae Laffer, contributed to two of the finest Australian albums of the 2000s in Sleeps Like A Curse (2005) and Cruel Guards (2007).
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There was always an Australian cinematic quality to The Panics, like a golden sunset fleshed out in a Tim Winton novel. Laffer has amplified that cinematic vibe on his second solo record The Long Daydream.
Hotel Motel floats on nostalgic Chris Isaak-style guitar and the opening Make Up Your Mind makes beautiful use of Melbourne artist Rowena Wise's harmonies.
It's obvious Laffer is using the eight-track record to explore various musical avenues. Some Boys Never Learn carries an almost power ballad vibe, before he takes a left-turn into spaghetti western territory on Passiona.
Elsewhere there's Rubber Soul-era Beatles on We Were Just Getting Started, before Laffer again takes us on a cinematic journey on the lush Mettams Pool Melody and western-inspired Pack Of Camels In The Sun.
The Long Daydream plays out like a eclectic film, and one worthy of repeat viewings.
3.5 stars
Josh Leeson
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
