Rob’s Album of The Week: Alex Lahey’s The Answer Is Always Yes

I’ve been a fan of a lot of music coming out of Australia ever since I was a teenager during the late ’90s and early 2000s. That country never ceases to impress me with their collectively fantastic spin on punk, garage rock, alternative and the singer-songwriter aesthetic. Speaking of all these styles, Alex Lahey has been blending them together to create cohesive sounds for over a decade. Her third album The Always Is Always Yes, which is due out via Liberation Records on May 19, is a grand continuation of this artistic approach. It’s also her first release to include other musicians in the songwriting along with multiple producers involved in the recording process.

The underlying theme of the album is all about making your way in a world that isn’t ideal for everyone, which is something a lot of folks can relate to. In a musical sense, this is conveyed through a dynamic that’s created through rock & roll grit, pop sensibilities and both characteristics coexisting simultaneously. It results in an array of tunes that embody upbeat and heartfelt qualities. Also, the energy that’s being put forth is accented by Lahey’s personal & existential lyrics. The overall sound is excellent, which can be difficult to maintain with numerous folks behind the levels and controls.