CD REVIEW: CLAUDE HAY – Roller Coaster

CD REVIEW: CLAUDE HAY – Roller Coaster
Independent
8 September, 2016
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
7 ½ /10

Don’t let Claude Hay’s surfer chic, lazy twang and the fireside bonhomie of his songs fool you – his music may embody roots-with-soul laidbacksville, but his work ethic is unflinching, with this fourth studio album the proof.

Along the way Hay has found an appreciative audience for his groove, and no wonder: over twelve tracks here he locks down a rambunctious rhythm and takes his listeners of a journey.

Amongst the fireside singalongs and rootsy wails there are some real gems, especially the glam-roots title track, the sparse redemption blues of Hold You Up, and the genuinely engaging rootsy stomp of Winner.

Fans of John Butler will probably already count Hay a favourite, and just as the cover illustration hints at a world of adventure in the mind of the man, there’s a lot more to explore here.

Category: CD Reviews