EP Review: Lasers Lasers Birmingham 'Royal Blue'

With a name as unique as Lasers Lasers Birmingham, one might wonder what to expect from an album entitled, Royal Blue, but Ozark native Alex Owen brings to life a short collection of songs that captures present day themes coupled with a 70’s country, laid back California vibe. Available July 22nd, the EP is characterized by plenty of pedal steel, organ and harmonies beginning with the shuffling title track on which Owen laments a lost love, “I’ve got blues running through a monochrome filter I’m not used to.” On the rollicking “Hard Man To Please,” Owen is forthright in his fast living telling a paramour, “If you wanna fly with me you better sprout some wings.” The groovy “Shedd Aquarium” requires close listening to hear a tale of debauchery while the sparse, acoustic closer “Any Way You Slice It” vividly describes the days in the life of an addict, “Every Wednesday I’m on the streets and I’m feeling mean/And any way you slice it is just another routine.” Royal Blue is awash in modern day storytelling that retains true, traditional country sensibilities. Give it a listen.

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