Album Review
Travis Bretzer - Waxing Romantic
3 StarsThe other slacker from Canada has matured into an amorous connoisseur of alternative pop.
Travis Bretzer is all loved-up. The awkward 25-year-old slacker from Edmonton, Canada has delivered lo-fi pop, influenced by his trials and tribulations with romance, since the release of his first EP, last year’s ‘Making Love’. The songwriter has now prepared his first LP, moving recording from his bedroom to the studio, yet still inspired by his romantic escapades.
With Jorge Albrecht (friend and collaborator of Ariel Pink) behind the desk and the inclusion of members of Haunted Graffiti in the backing band, ‘Waxing Romantic’ sees Bretzer replace his familiar lo-fi aesthetic with a slick, pop sensibility that brings much-deserved attention to the song-writing, each track a stand-out single that’s inspired from crate digging for his parents’ 70s pop records.Bretzer’s fondness for hazy guitar chords remains throughout, moulding suitably with the inclusion of prominent pop-sonics. Lead single ‘Promises’ forges a sultry mix of soft synth and tropical guitar, ‘Lonely Heart’ succeeds with a power-pop lead hook that Rik Ocasek would be proud of and the honey-drops of 80s electronics that envelope ‘Lady Red’ make for a surprising approach, yet when considering the artists’ songwriting, makes for complete understanding.
Bretzer delivers with such sentimentality that you are unsure if it’s tongue-in-cheek or entirely serious, yet this is where he prospers. The humorous brag of ‘Don’t Forget’ typifies his own idiosyncratic personality, “All the others girls at the party, are so jealous of me”, bearing a diva attitude that cleverly embodies the emotion felt towards a cherished one in that scenario. The young man is in love, and he wants everyone to know it. ‘Waxing Romantic’ is Travis Bretzer’s much-needed calling card. Through exhibiting effortlessly strong songwriting with infectious hooks and warm, albeit slightly corny lyricism, the other slacker from Canada has matured into an amorous connoisseur of alternative pop.
Read More
Travis Bretzer announces debut album, ‘Waxing Romantic’
Canadian oddball’s first work is being led with a new single, ‘Promises’.
4th November 2014, 12:00am
Travis Bretzer: ‘My Idea Is To Blow Your Face Off With Hooks’
Say hello to Canada’s latest pop triumph – a quirky newcomer with a unique dayjob.
30th September 2013, 1:24pm
The Neu Bulletin (24th September 2013)
Your daily new music guide, featuring Travis Bretzer and No Coda.
24th September 2013, 10:04am
Listen: Travis Bretzer Announces New Single, ‘Low Volt’/’Debbie’
Double A-side single of ‘Low Volt’/’Debbie’ is out this week via Mexican Summer.
17th September 2013, 1:51pm
Featuring SOFT PLAY, Corinne Bailey Rae, 86TVs, English Teacher and more!