Album Review: Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders - Blue Poles

It's a little odd that a couple of Jack Ladder's backing Dreamlanders seem to have a higher profile than the man himself. Odder still when these bandmates include the ironic lounge lizardry of Donny Benet and the often-divisive performance art of Kirin J Callinan, for Jack Ladder is making some glorious neon-and-noir pop built around his rich croon.

In parts, Blue Poles feels a little less studied, perhaps a bit looser, than some of his earlier work. But, conversely, this album is a little more melodic and approachable. With himself now in the producer's chair as well, the backing is there to serve that voice and these songs. Some things are a little more windswept than the grimy-but-shiny city streets and alleys you might expect, although Dates does nod towards Berlin-era Bowie and Iggy Pop in its insistent rattle.

But the emotions are often still dark, or at least darkly humoured. Susan is another of those lost girls, with Ladder left literally upping his dose in the casualty ward bed to keep some vision of her. But somehow that comes with a bit of a knowing smirk. Ditto the sweeping highlight White Flag, where the original duet design is subverted by its one-voice delivery - just who is the one realising they're trapped?

Blue Mirror is half-spoken memories over a shimmer of keyboards - think mid-period Roxy Music or maybe David Sylvian's Japan. The final Merciful Reply is full of romantic anticipation and doubt, and somehow you know she'll just be the next one to break his heart. Again.

Ladder has made another album suitable for moody brooding. This he does very well.