The
highly anticipated debut album from Luke Dickens has just hit the stores! Aptly
entitled 'Underdog', this album is an honest and thought-provoking piece of work
from the singer-songwriter.
While Australian Idol elevated Luke to the national
stage, Luke has worked hard as an independent singer, songwriter and performer
since singing at Grand Finale concert on the Opera House steps in 2008. "The
show finished and I went home to look after my little boy… after that I got
together with my manager and we decided to hook in and work hard. I guess that
was the start of us being independent and it's been an amazing experience. Having
the freedom to write and produce what I want has meant the songs are all me. I'm
extremely proud of the album and the team behind it."
Created in conjunction
with accomplished songwriters such as Paul Greene, Scotty Aplin, Lachy Doley and
Dan Jenkinson, the tracks on the album reflect not only Luke's talent as a writer,
but also the esteem he has garnered in the music industry post-Idol. After Luke
met producer and musician Josh Wermut through mutual friends, the two started
working on a few tracks together. Before too long - and quite by chance - Josh
was producing the album. A quiet achiever, Josh has never been one to seek out
accolades, working on projects over the years from R 'n' B to Blues and Soul.
This is his first rock album, and definitely not his last. It's a testament to
his ability that he has brought the best out of the artists within the framework
of their genre. This is truly an impressive piece of work: Josh seems able to
produce inspiring music of just about any stamp.
Reminiscent of great Aussie
rock albums, 'Underdog' delivers the kind of music that makes you want to jump
in your car and head up the highway, leaving the city behind for the smell of
freedom and the future. Traversing the 12 tracks are gritty guitar riffs, rip-roaring
drums and bass and the delicate Hammond that have become the signature of Luke's
vintage sound mixed with new rock. The songs on Underdog cut straight to the chase.
Their purity and simplicity seem to have struck a chord with the Australian public.
Individually, the tracks are packaged well and stand out on their own to the point
that 10 of the 12 tracks could be individually released. As an album they all
move seamlessly from one track to the next.
'Live for Now' is the first
cab off the rank. Its open, airy piano shows off Luke's distinct voice and what
he can do with it. Penned with Scotty Aplin (Noiseworks, Silverchair) - this track
makes you want to believe in something more. 'Believer', the first single off
the album, has already gained radio rotation nationally. The track shows exactly
what this singer is made of musically. Jak Housden's guitar is a feature of this
track, whose swift melodic piano takes cues from bands like The Script. It's a
track that excites and delights with a bang on rhythm and bass.
Over beers
and guitars, 'Thinking about You' was the first of three tracks co-written with
acclaimed singer/songwriter Paul Greene, and is a favourite with Luke's audience.
If only radio playlists allowed for this meandering and rhythmical melody it would
be a hit in a heartbeat. 'Sunrise' is about the challenges of taking on a new
life, with Matty Baker's slide guitar bringing an edge to the track that takes
it to another level. It shows off the tenacity of Dan Jenkinson and Jon Parratt's
ability to write with Luke Dickens creating solid musical work.
Fast becoming
one of the stand out tracks of the album 'Breathe', written with Dan Jenkinson,
is the story of a man leaving his partner for fear of bringing her down into the
bad life he leads. Slide guitar courtesy of Matt Ross, Hammonds recorded by Lachy
Doley with massive BVs from Gail Page, this is a track that reaches into the gut
with drums that only Lucius Borich can master. Somehow, despair, love, grief and
sensuality all come together to make this track a hit in the making. Co-written
by Lachy Doley 'What's a Man to Do' takes a leaf out of the The Hands' book of
'70s funkinspired songs, yet remains in the pocket for Luke's Aussie rock appeal.
A groove that can only make you want to tap your feet it shows off how far Luke
can take his taste and remain true to his sound.
'Someday' as Luke tells
it, is one for the ladies, a ballad about being together. 'Someday' is written
again with Parratt and Jenkinson proving their worth as a quality team of writers.
'Me & You' is slick slide guitar blues inspired sit on the balcony and watch
the sunset track. It shows Luke's potential as an artist who can most certainly
sing the blues. 'Home to Stay' is like a cup of warm coffee in front of the fire
after a cold winter's day. Luke's personal favourite, there are no tricks, bells
or whistles - it's sincerity speaks for it's self and once again Jak Housden's
guitars, Scotty Aplin's keys and Luke's own massive BVs has made this track simply
breath taking.
'Native Man', written with Josh Wermut is a track for all
the lads. With rocking beats and massive vocals it's rough and raw around the
edges. Once again it shows off how capable Luke is at stretching the boundaries
of being a rock artist. The title track, 'Underdog', was the third track written
with Paul Greene and finished in under 15 minutes after the beer was cracked.
Based on a 12 bar blues, funked to the hilt, with rock guitar, harmonica and a
massive drum and bass, the only thing you can do is tap your feet and sing along.
This song is a cheeky self-reflection of Luke's own story…
"Went
had a shot at the big time, but settled for second best, some think I got hard
done by, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm a straight shooting white boy
singing the blues and I don't care if you forget my name!" Underdog is simply
the perfect title for Luke Dickens debut album. As The Underdog of the music scene,
this album will truly strike a chord with the Aussie character and the working-class
man of 2010.
'Underdog' is available now.
