Nick Frater

Aerodrome Motel

Big Stir Records

Frater’s follow up to 2021’s Earworms is just as good, and in a way I like it better, because of the two big influences on it, Steely Dan and Squeeze. 

The Dan aren’t usually thought of as punk, but Nick, by making their music gentler, makes them gently ironic, like Squeeze. There’s both band’s sense of melody here, and wry lyrics. I hear the kind of jazz feel the Dan had, and Nick’s vocals are reminiscent of Glen Tilbrook’s.

Every track has something to recommend it, but “Dancing With A Gertrude” stands out, as does “American Expressways.” “Dancing...,” for it’s unusual subject, extinct baby names, told in a way that's almost like a novel, and just a delight to hear while walking down the street. It’s great to move to. “American Expressways” is about the US and UK exiting Afghanistan, in a non-political sense. It's darker and sadder than "Dancing,” but endings, especially messy ones, are like that.

It’s another great album from Frater, who should be a lot more popular, but we, the public know what to do here--buy this excellent and album, and promote it any way you can. It’s more than worth it.

Andrea Weiss