Description
Los Angeles songwriter Dent May has just released his fifth album, Late Checkout’ and we seriously can’t believe we’re only just discovering him now! A polished and grandiose songwriter, this latest sees him really stepping up to own his new status as a power-pop multi-instrumentalist: not only is the new LP his first to be recorded outside of his home studio, but it’s also his introduction to writing and arranging parts for string players, a horn section, and background vocalists.
The album has a peaceful warmth that flows from the speakers like champagne from a bottle as the ballads gently sway, the pop songs rollick joyfully, and the disco grooves float on air as if suspended by helium. So do the songs, which are all high-quality gems, whether they are earnest ballads, peppy numbers, featuring layered harmonies,or laid-back grooves that sound just right for a bit of slow-motion boogying.. his songwriting I would suggest respectfully pays homage to the Brian Wilson/Harry Nilsson/Randy Newman/ Neil Sedaka or Carole King songbook being influences….not bad choices hey!? Late Checkout bops along as Dent keeps right on crafting happily nostalgic pop with just the right amount of sugar & irony sprinkled on top. The record goes down like a pastel-hued drink served with a tiny umbrella, preferably sipped on a veranda as the summer shadows begin to lengthen and a cool breeze cuts the humidity. Not too many records capture that exact feeling, so when one does it as well as Late Checkout does, it’s cause to celebrate….grab a copy of this & look forward to Summer & ‘the other side’ ….boy do we need some light relief right now!?
