23 Dec 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Oscar LaDell - Album Review: Gone Away

29 Jul 2020 // A review by Kerry MB

Gone Away is the debut album of electric blues up and coming Dunedinite, Oscar LaDell.

Despite his twenty one years of age, he’s a second generation bluesman and knows his way around a fretboard or two. In fact, it sounds like he was born with a guitar in his hands.

With a naturally rich deep voice, Oscar sounds very much like a man wise beyond his years. His vocal cadence is hauntingly captivating and remind me a lot of Chicago bluesman, Jake La Botz. Oscar’s sound has a little bit of everything from electric blues, ragtime, country and folk that he executes with a finesses I haven’t heard in a long time.

From opening titular track, Gone Away and its harmonic lead, it’s impossible to not get caught up in the toe tapping riffs. Further along on track three, Stone Man is stunning. It has such a gentle tone, highly emotive. Definitely one of my favourite tracks.

This album is most definitely not background music, it's music made to be heard and if you’re like me and yet to experience this brilliance live, this is the next best thing. Just close your eyes and let it take you on a journey.

I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Oscar LaDell, but one thing I do know is, he’ll be going far.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Oscar LaDell

Oscar LaDell, 21, was born in the US and raised in Purakaunui, Dunedin. The second-generation bluesman started out playing blues standards in nightclubs around Dunedin, featuring songs by Muddy Waters, BB King and Guitar Slim. Over the years, funk, rock, soul and more have found their way into Oscar’s music.

In the space of one of LaDell’s original songs, the sound can range from a gentle slow dance to explosive and hypnotic guitar solos. Oscar’s powerful and expressive guitar playing and soulful singing act as one to create a sound that is both reminiscent of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and fresh.


Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Oscar LaDell

Releases

Oscar LaDell
Year: 2023
Type: EP
This Love of Ours (Mixtape
Year: 2022
Type: Album
The Sublime Sessions
Year: 2022
Type: EP
The Love & Revolution Collection
Year: 2021
Type: Album
Gone Away
Year: 2020
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Kerry MB

Kerretta - Album Review: Angelm
24 Oct 2024 // by Kerry MB
Auckland's instrumental rock trio, Kerretta, is back, and let me tell you, it couldn’t come at a better time. Angelm, their first album since 2018's Exiscens, which was a collection of outtakes and unreleased tracks.
Read More...
Shady Brain Farm - Album Review: ..Another Set Of Circumstances
26 Sep 2024 // by Kerry MB
Shady Brain Farm hail from North-West Auckland — specifically Kumeu, Waimauku, and Muriwai Beach — and has been making music together since 1997. The band, Ben Furniss lead vocals, guitar, and keyboards, Paul Taylor drums and backing vocals, and Chris Vaughan on bass and backing vocals are certainly no strangers to musical diversity and are back with a new album, ...
Read More...
Zed - Album Review: Future Memory
04 Sep 2024 // by Kerry MB
You know the name, and you know the sound of Zed, but did you know that here in 2024, the Christchurch icons are back with a new album? Because even though it has been 21 years, they never really stopped making music.
Read More...
Hadees Drudge - Album Review: The Mind Lies When The Soul Dies
01 Aug 2024 // by Kerry MB
Hadees Drudge is quite an anomaly in Wellington’s metal scene. Forgoing a second guitarist, they proudly rock one guitar in a genre where that’s almost unheard of.
Read More...
Thousand Limbs - Album Review: The Aurochs
16 Jul 2024 // by Kerry MB
Thousand Limbs has been on the scene now for a few years (since 2016) and have gained quite the following since, for their powerhouse of instrumental metal. Now, if you are also a fan of Kerretta and Nine Inch Nails then Thousand Limbs will be right up your alley.
Read More...
Crowded House - Album Review: Gravity Stairs
10 Jun 2024 // by Kerry MB
In a moment we’ve all been waiting for, Crowded House, who need no introduction have released their new album, Gravity Stairs. It’s only been a little over two years since their last offering, Dreamers Are Waiting (2021) and it seems fans just can’t get enough.
Read More...
Government Pest - EP Review: Vol. 3
05 Jun 2024 // by Kerry MB
Formed from the ashes of local bands, Hellborne and Wall of Silents to name a few, Government Pest have been on the scene since 2014 and have never failed to amaze fans with their solid metal offerings and swag of albums over the years. 2024 is no different and they’re back again with a new EP, Vol.
Read More...
PARK RD - Album Review The Novel
23 May 2024 // by Kerry MB
It’s easy to see why Auckland five-piece, PARK RD is making some noise, figuratively and literally with their debut album, The Novel. Heavy on the indie, but far from light with solid guitar riffs and pop and funk sensibilities, PARK RD are a great example of solid musicianship.
Read More...
View All Articles By Kerry MB

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem