Ricky Music CD

If you're familiar with that heartbreaking 1983 album by Lewis, "L'Amour" - unearthed and re-released in 2014 and among that year's finest collections of alt-balladry - then picture those gentile lullabies meeting a more up-front How To Dress Well to discuss synth pop's anthemic power. The results might be "Ricky Music". Better known as Aaron Maine, who hails from Pleasantville, New York, 2020 marks a decade in the game for Porches, and this year's album his fourth long form. Tracks range from slow-mo, 80s-esue "Patience", to "Lipstick Song", its pared back arrangement and bass-y hook almost reminiscent of Julie Cruise's "Falling" (one of the best on the "Twin Peaks" soundtrack), but here re-read for the mid-21st Century. "Madonna" goes all vocoder and dance-trash, while "Hair" borders on ambient. Juxtaposing introvert and extravert, bold and soft, it's an excellent showcase of talent.