Multi-instrumentalist and singer David Udell first came to prominence in the art-rock band Wax Theatricks before joining Walter Whitney and Carl Weingarten in Delay Tactics in time for their 1984 album ‘Any Questions?’. He has kept busy since then, playing in multiple bands (often with Whitney and Weingarten), releasing his debut solo album in 2015. The trio have since reformed Delay Tactics, releasing a new album in 2022 and while this is Udell’s second solo release he is again joined by both of those musicians, along with other guests. Mind you, I am sure he could have done the whole thing by himself if he had really wanted to, given he provides electric, acoustic, nylon and slide guitars, piano, synths/keyboards, bass guitars, theremin, stylophone, flexitone, trumpet, percussion and toys.
Given he has been working in the scene for so long, perhaps it is no surprise that this album sounds as if it is coming to us straight from the Eighties, and bringing some melodic Sixties influences into that. In fact, I notice that one of the songs (the short and very sweet “The Motion Song” is actually copyrighted 1980, so must come from his Earwacks/Wax Theatrics period). I actually didn’t think I had previously come across David, even though I have reviewed some of Weingarten’s albums, but I notice the trio feature on of the tracks on the excellent. ‘Friends’ by Gayle Ellett & The Electromags, so I have but hadn’t realised.
This album may seem dated, but it is dated in a good way, in that we have proper pop rock material which is fun to listen to – I find myself smiling when playing this as there is something about the arrangements and hooks which is vital and expressive. One of the things which makes this such a fascinating release is not only the quality of the songs themselves, but the way that Udell brings in different instruments and sounds here and there to have an impact on just one section. There are two female singers in Margaret Bianchetta (who also provides flute) and Monica Reed but while they are both there to provide leads at times, harmonies at others, they are not always present. The same is true of the theremin, the dated keyboards, the woodwind, they all come in for a purpose in a particular section and then drop out again.
“Made My Peace”, in a world which understood pop (which ours no longer does), would be a hit with its Beatles’ style and instrumentation which makes it a delight. There are even some backward sounds which makes it appear more than 50 years older than it actually is. If you like ‘Sgt. Pepper’ then you will love that, and while you are listening to that one why not investigate the rest of the album? Ten songs, just 37 minutes in length, it is very much out of time and is all the better for it.
Rating: 7/10
