Seven years after their last record, The Davenports – a revolving line-up band anchored by Scott Klass – is finally back with new music, having self-recorded the latest batch of songs in Klass’s own house. The result is a mix between some of the brilliant lo-fi bedroom tapes of the 1990s and a more polished indie pop sound reminiscent of everyone from Fountains Of Wayne to Teenage Fanclub.
“This whole project came directly from my brain to my hands, right onto tape,” said Klass recently. “It’s more authentic and cohesive than almost anything I’ve ever done.” The album opens on “When Everything’s Over,” a steady, mellow, there-minute, grove-heavy pop track and he manages to keep that consistent vibe across the next nine tracks.
Recording in his home, Klass played almost all of the instruments here. The one exception is “The Annabellas of the World,” recorded in a proper studio with other players and co-produced by his long-time collaborator Charles Newman. For this song, Klass brought in They Might Be Giants bassist Danny Weinkauf and Klass’ bandmates in Look Park – Fountains Of Wayne’s Chris Collingwood and Winterpills’ Philip Price. The pop track – heavy on harmonies and an addictive, bouncy piano line – carries a solid reminder not to let the little things get you down.
“We’re Talking About You” is another track heavy on groove, mixing a dance-pop beat and distorted guitar, while “Full-Length Mirror” has a breezy, back porch singalong feel to it. The only song that doesn’t seem to fit neatly in the collection is “If You Put Me Next To Patti,” about being seated next to the last person you’d want to see at a party. Though likely relatable to some, the song’s theme seems less universal and musically drags down the momentum of an otherwise solid pop album.
You Could’ve Just Said That is a great example of what can be accomplished by a talented musician with a lot to say, writing music for himself without the constraints of budget or outside influences. It’s an indie pop album that’s musically reminiscent of the late 1990s but with themes that are just as relatable in 2025.
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Sounds great!!