Avalanche City - Our New Life Above The Ground (10/07/2011)
Our New Life Above The Ground is the debut album from New Zealand's Avalanche City. Avalanche City is the solo project of Dave Baxter, who wrote, produced and recorded the album.
Although Avalanche City becomes a full band for live performances, on the recording of Our New Life Above The Ground virtually every instrument was played by Baxter. And there certainly are a lot of instruments: guitar, mandolin, piano and accordion, just to name a few. The album has such a full sound, with layered instruments and vocals that it's astonishing to think that it was created by a single musician.
It could seem like Baxter had spread himself too thin by taking on so many roles in the creation of the record, but that's definitely not the case. Our New Life Above The Ground is the perfect mix of infectious folk pop tunes and soulful ballads. Album opener and debut single Love Love Love has already made it to the top of the New Zealand charts (and it won't be surprising if it achieves similar success in Australia, with the song being the soundtrack to Channel 7's promotional adverts this year).
The album's more upbeat songs are undeniably cute; not in a "twee" sort of way, rather they're quite endearing. Love Love Love isn't just the title of a track, but also the running theme in most of the songs. You And I is possibly one of the most charming little love songs you'll ever hear, with Baxter singing lines like 'If you found your tooth paste empty, I would squeeze out just a little more. If you had the sweetest victory, I'd hi-five you 'til our hands were sore'.
The bright pop songs on Our New Life burst with happiness, making them a joy to listen to. They are the most memorable tracks; however, the stripped-back folk songs are equally as engaging. Love Don't Leave is beautiful in the simplicity and delicateness of its lyrics and instrumentation.
On Our New Life, Baxter has shown immense talent not only as a musician, but also as a songwriter, singer and producer. The joyous mood underlying the entire record is a refreshing change; you can't help but feel positive after listening to it. Combined with album's diverse range of genres and insightful lyrics, it makes for a wonderful record.
Chelsea McIntyre
Although Avalanche City becomes a full band for live performances, on the recording of Our New Life Above The Ground virtually every instrument was played by Baxter. And there certainly are a lot of instruments: guitar, mandolin, piano and accordion, just to name a few. The album has such a full sound, with layered instruments and vocals that it's astonishing to think that it was created by a single musician.
It could seem like Baxter had spread himself too thin by taking on so many roles in the creation of the record, but that's definitely not the case. Our New Life Above The Ground is the perfect mix of infectious folk pop tunes and soulful ballads. Album opener and debut single Love Love Love has already made it to the top of the New Zealand charts (and it won't be surprising if it achieves similar success in Australia, with the song being the soundtrack to Channel 7's promotional adverts this year).
The album's more upbeat songs are undeniably cute; not in a "twee" sort of way, rather they're quite endearing. Love Love Love isn't just the title of a track, but also the running theme in most of the songs. You And I is possibly one of the most charming little love songs you'll ever hear, with Baxter singing lines like 'If you found your tooth paste empty, I would squeeze out just a little more. If you had the sweetest victory, I'd hi-five you 'til our hands were sore'.
The bright pop songs on Our New Life burst with happiness, making them a joy to listen to. They are the most memorable tracks; however, the stripped-back folk songs are equally as engaging. Love Don't Leave is beautiful in the simplicity and delicateness of its lyrics and instrumentation.
On Our New Life, Baxter has shown immense talent not only as a musician, but also as a songwriter, singer and producer. The joyous mood underlying the entire record is a refreshing change; you can't help but feel positive after listening to it. Combined with album's diverse range of genres and insightful lyrics, it makes for a wonderful record.
Chelsea McIntyre