LET’S JUST BE - JOSEPH ARTHUR AND THE LONELY ASTRONAUTS
Fewer than seven months after his album “Nuclear Daydream,” singer/songwriter Arthur is back with a collection of rough-edged rock songs, recorded with his new band, the Lonely Astronauts. It’s quite a makeover for Peter Gabriel’s protege, who is known for his labyrinthine vocal harmonies and dark, introspective, acoustic-based songs. More outgoing than ever, he now screams and shouts in a throaty falsetto, fronting a band fluent in classic rock, glam and punk. Opener “Diamond Ring” is a bright and bouncy retro-rocker, and the Bowie-esque standout “Spaceman” sends Arthur’s trademark harmonies over heavy power chords. The record has the rawness and immediacy of a live performance, and no doubt Arthur and his band are enjoying themselves (how else to explain the 20-minute “Lonely Astronaut?”). There are fewer memorable moments here than on his solo albums, but it’s still nice to hear him taking risks. Billboard
