Scott Lavene - ‘Disney in Dagenham’ review
Scott Lavene by Hannah Turk
Scott Lavene is a born storyteller. Known for adding eccentrics, ragamuffins, and ne'er-do-wells to his trippy world through his writing and records, his latest album, Disneyland in Dagenham, set for release on 10 May via Nothing Fancy, is no exception. Here, Lavene expertly juxtaposes the whimsical magic of Disney with the stark realities of daily life, showcasing significant growth on both personal and creative fronts. This album marks his third release since embracing sobriety, a period marked by deep reflection and newfound confidence. Lavene's unique blend of vivid storytelling and compelling musicality not only promises to draw in new listeners but also solidifies his standing as one of the most intriguing voices in contemporary music.
“Disneyland in Dagenham” is the title track of Scott Lavene's much-awaited album. It's sure to be the focal point of what we expect to be a success record. The song gives us a taste of his narrative talent before his next release. Lavene's record, set to release on May 10th via Nothing Fancy, is already generating a lot of excitement. It is especially so given his recent announcement of a new UK headline tour. This comes after he and Craig Finn collaborated and performed "Paper Roses" to very positive reviews.
The album's opening track, "Paper Roses," is a hidden gem waiting to be found. Lavene's vocals are intense. They reflect standing on train tracks, hanging out of windows, and feeling the raw night. His partnership with Craig Finn gives the song a unique dimension. The profound and reflective lyrics serve as a poignant reminder of the transience of love, replete with melancholy and contemplation. The music is ambient. It combines with literary narration. This mix transports listeners to a vulnerable and emotional realm.
The energy completely changes with "Custard." It bursts forth with catchy sounds and lighthearted lyrics. The track is given a distinct flavour by Lavene's vocals, which also give it an irresistible fun mood. The catchy beats will have listeners nodding and tapping from the first beat. It is the perfect feel-good song for any situation. "Custard" will definitely make you feel better and get moving, whether you're at a party or simply hanging out by yourself.
The next track on the album is "Debbie." It's a moving story that vividly depicts a character's dreams and struggles. Listeners are taken into Debbie's world. They feel her highs and lows as their own. This is thanks to Lavene's skill at storytelling. The depth and emotion of the lyrics create a meaningful and personal connection. It's like traveling with Debbie. You experience each emotion as if it were your own.
In "Disney in Dagenham," Lavene combines the magic of Disney with the grim realities of daily existence. This contrast is depicted in the lyrics, which also highlight Lavene's storytelling skills in a distinctive and captivating way. Lavene makes astute observations. He uses deft language to encourage listeners to embrace life's realities. They should cling to fantasies and see the wonder and beauty in unexpected places.
The song expresses Lavene's journey, as dreams and reality merge in a captivating mix of music and feeling. The concept of discovering enchantment and beauty in unexpected places is explored in the song. It seems as though Lavene is urging us to find magic in the commonplace. We should accept life's facts while clinging to our fantasies. The song encapsulates the spirit of the artist's individual journey, when dreams and reality collide.
Following this there is "Sadly I'm not Steve McQueen." It explores contemplation and longing. Its beautiful lyrics give the song more depth. Lavene captures the need for an exciting life. It is distinct from the ordinary and embodies the desire to become someone remarkable. This song reminds us that it's acceptable to have dreams of something greater and appeals to the dreamer in all of us.
"Julie Johnson" tells a gripping story that holds listeners' attention throughout. With their many turns and turns, the lyrics vividly depict Julie's voyage and keep listeners on the edge of their seats. With infectious beats and melodies that have listeners tapping their feet and singing along, Lavene's vocals and instrumentals provide the ideal setting for the tale being delivered. Lavene's skill as a songwriter and vocalist is evident on this song, which will definitely stick in the minds of listeners.
The gritty, raw atmosphere of "Rats" completes the record and highlights Lavene's distinct style and narrative prowess. The narrator's irritation and disillusionment are captured in a raw and honest manner by the lyrics, which depict metropolitan life and the challenges that come with it. The song's contagious energy comes from the catchy guitar riffs and driving rhythm, which make it hard not to clap your feet and bob your head in time with the beat.
"Keeping it Local" serves as a suitable album finale, highlighting the significance of maintaining ties to your neighbourhood. The importance of patronising small businesses and participating in the community is emphasised throughout Lavene's songs. It's about appreciating the distinctive features of your environment and discovering a sense of belonging. The song's main topic is embracing your local origins and promoting a feeling of community, even though it makes some strange and powerful references.
"Disneyland in Dagenham" features a wide variety of musical components in addition to Lavene's gripping narration, all of which enhance the immersive listening experience. Each piece has depth and complexity added by Lavene's use of instruments, production methods, and genre influences.
In "Paper Roses," for instance, the eerie vocals are enhanced by complex guitar melodies and ambient soundscapes, giving the song a feeling of emotional depth and intensity. Craig Finn and Lavene's partnership gives the song a deeper depth and emphasises the importance of teamwork in music.
Similar to this, songs like "Custard" and "Disney in Dagenham" draw the listener in with their catchy beats, lighthearted instrumentation, and dynamic orchestration. Lavene provides depth and richness to the record by utilising a variety of instrumentation, including synthesisers and acoustic guitars, which results in a multifaceted auditory world.
Overall, Lavene's attention to detail in both musical composition and storyline elevates Disneyland in Dagenham to new heights, providing listeners with a rich and fulfilling audio experience.
Lavene has evolved and discovered more about himself as a musician; this has culminated in this most recent album, which was recorded with assistance from Benjamin Woods of The Golden Dregs. It shows the artist's development on both a personal and creative level. This is his third album following his sobriety, a journey characterised by reflection and confidence.
In the wake of Disneyland in Dagenham Lavene is a star on the rise. His mix of storytelling and musicality will captivate new audiences. It will also cement his status as one of the most compelling voices in modern music. As he continues to push the boundaries of his artistry, we can only expect the next chapter in his captivating musical odyssey.
Disneyland in Dagenham from Scott Lavene is out 10 May via Nothing Fancy and available on all good streaming platforms.
