★★★★
The Sydney music scene’s nicest human being gives you a massive emotional bearhug with his second LP, a record all the richer for the pained years that separate it from the first.
Things Work Out For People Like You showcases a proficiency and diversity rare for an artist cutting their teeth. Opener ‘Bones Sloane’ is all confidence, a fiery dose of pop-rock where David James Young vocally lets loose. The songwriting on display is striking, especially when Young gives in to his pop leanings. It’s never more evident than when he brings in a rowdy pub callback for ‘Song Of The Square Peg (99% Scene Free)’, but that staple of his live shows is far from the only crowd-pleaser here.
The whole affair is slathered with an alt-country air of melancholy that never quite diffuses the light pouring from Young’s mouth. A few harmonies feel like they could have benefited from a second take in the studio, but you can’t fault the raw emotions on display. Tracklist changes and a little trimmed fat may have kept more energy in the record’s latter half, however, where the sadness takes too strong a hold.
You’d be hard-pressed listening in and not feeling like you’ve met your new best friend. Nothing rhymes with David, but poetry doesn’t need to rhyme.
Things Work Out For People Like YoubyNothing Rhymes With Davidis available now thorugh Spit The Dummy/Bandcamp.
