Melbourne-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Roy provides us with a very interesting album in ‘...in a shoebox under the bed’ (even the cover art is attention-grabbing). As soon as you press play the nice little acoustics start for ‘Dangerous Game’ but those acoustics are quickly mixed in with techno! Strange indeed, but the experiment works as the music to this track pulls you in to an album which has a very welcomed style that gives us music comparable to that of Gotye’s and vocals comparable to David Gray – you know you are already aching in anticipation as to what it sounds like, don’t lie!

‘Walls’ brightens up the mood with a fun chorus and is enjoyable to listen to; ‘Everybody’s Talking’ moves away from techno to a more R&B-esque which will really make you think of Gotye; another winner titled ‘Annie’ gives us more cowbell than we could ever dream of along with a very catchy chorus; personal favourite ‘This Is How We Go Out’ slows the pace down to provide a dark, well-written ballad with Roy’s vocals increasing in intensity throughout the song – a must hear! Concept track ‘Taxi’ sees Roy singing from a perspective of a taxi driver, which is a bit strange, but is interesting enough to keep us listening; and the album closes out with a reprise of ‘Annie’ which is skippable.

The vocals bring the album down at some points such as the forgettable ‘Strangeness of Kindness’ but these low points are negated by the consistently pleasing music and good use of a multitude of instruments by Roy.

The sounds of ‘...in a shoebox under the bed’ will no-doubt succeed in grabbing your attention and keeping it from start to finish; you will be a fan after you listen to this album. I am very curious as to see what he is like in a live setting.

Review score: 7/10

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Entries close December 20th.

Photo by Luke Robinson Photography