I know you can’t hold musical artists to a higher standard after a very keen album and expect the moon from a subsequent release. Yet on the heels of 2015’s “Bloom Late” Steve Oakley not only doesn’t disappoint, but he burrows deeper into roots genres, brings a whole bunch of sturdy hooks and honed lyrics, and delivers a knockout new collection, “Lost and Found.” Its been worth the wait.
Beats me how he does it. Just listen to “Two Days” where he collaborates with the lovely-voiced Irene Lambrou, and try not to conjure up remembrances of that long lost gal friend who you wish hadn’t put up such a shield. It’s stark and gorgeous with overlapping passions of fervent longing. The album has a naturalist heft—both emotionally and musically. Its characters’ personal demons shine through unencumbered Iby extraneous elaboration.
Get ready for the bold imagery of “Irish Whiskey,” an elegy to a deceased friend (where Oakley’s daughter Ava lends backing vocals); the clever catchiness of “Delco Girls,” an unexpected spoof on the distinctive traits of the fairer sex that hail from a certain area in the blue collar near-suburbs of Philly; and “Laredo,” a blistering ode to a hellbent badass who finds himself on the wrong side of the law.
“Las Vegas” permeates the early going and it’s a testament to co-producer (along with Oakley) Ted Karapalides, whose guitar bracingly propels a kickass buildup of an opening song. And just when you think “Irish Whiskey” may be the best ballad on the album, here comes the hauntingly evocative “Meat On The Bone.”
I played Lost and Found for my girlfriend and asked her to guess who was performing. As each of the first six or seven songs went by, she went on to name yet another major 70s alt country musical act. I bring this up not because Maple Shade, N. J.’s Oakley is mimicking anyone, but it just goes to show you how prime talent may be lurking right before your South Jersey eyes.
Buy this album for your favorite someone for Christmas or Hanukkah. You won’t need mistletoe after they hear it.
Steve Oakley, Lost and Found…available on all digital platforms.