Kane Strang's new album is a tightly focused, polished record. Photo / LouLou Callister Baker
Kane Strang's new album is a tightly focused, polished record. Photo / LouLou Callister Baker
Kane Strang has come a long way from the lo-fi alt-rock on his debut, Blue Cheese. The buzz generated by that album helped him secure an international record deal and, two years on, the Dunedin singer-songwriter has returned with Two Hearts and No Brain. Instead of following his former DIYapproach, Strang teamed up with producer Steven Marr for this record; his influence results in a tightly focused, polished sound that allows Strang's clever, tongue-in-cheek songwriting to take centre stage.
Strang's voice is stronger than ever on Two Hearts; his soothing, deadpan tones answer powerfully to the rich layers of electric guitar, with a generous use of harmonies showcasing his dynamic range. His lyrics cross a number of terrains, ranging from forlorn and dejected to whimsical and ironic.
My Smile is Extinct is a delightful indie-pop example of the latter, delivered straight from a 90s teen movie, with Strang satirising his own heartbreak on a biting power chorus: "Kill me now, I want to die, there's a chance at an afterlife/I might not get let in, but at least I won't be living".
Despite the outward childishness of the line, Strang remains one step ahead in tone - an overarching strength that elevates the entire record. The more refined, nuanced production gives each song the muscle it deserves, and allows Strang to exhibit his maturity as a musician and songwriter. Songs such as the title track and Summertime in Your Lounge find Strang focusing his energy on creating sonic, immersive experiences, and the payoff is fantastic - they're some of the best songs on the album, offering intense, heady rushes of emotion.
Two Hearts' title is somewhat of a red herring; there's as much intelligence at play here as there is heart, and the resulting power establishes the record as one that will endure for some time.
Kane Strang, Two Hearts and No Brain
Artist: Kane Strang Album:Two Hearts and No Brain Label: Dead Oceans Verdict: Plenty of brain behind Dunedin alt-rocker's richly nuanced return
