Lavender Sleeping is an album that is bursting with passion. The heartland rock/Americana dominant record from M. Hofmann hosts a collection of introspective and personal pieces that serve to highlight the gruff and evocative voice of the singer-songwriter. Hailing from Tasmania and based in Sydney, Hofmann songs focus on themes of relationships, grief, and the rippling effects of mental health. He uses a strong 80s guitar tone that blends with synthesizers and organs to create an overwhelming and all encompassing soundscape that envelopes you in its warmth.
Starting with the powerful and emotive ‘Old Home’, Hofmann’s brand is set quite clearly. An abundance of rich guitar strumming alongside Hofmann’s alt-rock/country characteristic baritone singing voice captures the energy. It’s followed up similarly on ‘You Don’t Have To Say’, an equally strong piece that relies on a chorus built on repetition and power. But on ‘Rain In The Summer’, Hofmann shows a softer side. The ballad uses a much more minimalist and subtle production, with Hofmann backed by simple acoustic strumming for the entire first half. Slowly, as the song progresses and the electric guitar comes in, it hits a wonderfully smooth solo in the mid section. ‘Percy Street’ takes the slow acoustic rock style up a notch, with an even more slower and subtle piece.
The album’s promotional single, ‘Feel The Fire’, released back in March, is one of the standout pieces. The 80s influence is roaring on this track, I can even hear a spark of Bryan Adams in the voice and arrangement. For all intents and purposes, Lavender Sleeping is a very typical rock album that plays by the rulebook to a tee. It’s got ballads, and it’s got up tempo tracks as well. So, if you’re looking for an Americana album that plays by the rules and does so with excellence that’s hard to come by, look no further. It’s nothing too complicated, but it’s everything you’d love.
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