Obviously

How can you not fall in love with a band called Lake Street Dive? How can you not fall in love with a band that calls their lead-off single "Hypotheticals"? And how can you not fall in love with a band that names their new album "Obviously"?

Apparently I am in love.

Formed way back in 2004, Lake Street Dive originally featured singer Rachael Price, guitarist/trumpeter Mike "McDuck" Olson, bassist Bridget Kearney and drummer Mike Calabrese. The group met while they were all students at Boston's prestigious New England Conservatory. They initially branded themselves a "free country band" because they intended to play country music in an improvised, avant-garde style. However, as former member Olsen says, "This concept was abandoned in favor of something that actually sounded good" and I'll tell you, this sense of humour makes me love the group even more.

The new album is named after the first lyric of the song "Hypotheticals." Combining elements of hip-hop, R&B, smooth groove and rhythmic pop, this catchy single showcases Rachael's soulful vocals backed by a band with some pretty serious chops. "Same Old News" brings a throwback 70's sensibility which highlights not only Miss Price but the band's latest addition, keyboardist Akie Bermiss, on vocals. "Anymore" is a sensual slow dance waiting to happen. And “Nobody’s Stopping You Now”, a musical letter of encouragement from lead vocalist Rachael Price to her teenaged self, was co-written with bassist Bridget Kearney. 

Price says, “You’re trying to express your anxieties, your feelings, your sadness, your happiness, all of these things—your authentic state of being in a song. But you’re also trying to create something people will listen to over and over again. That’s the unique fun thing about music, putting these messages into three and a half minute snippets, dropping whatever truth we can and hoping it’s the type of thing that people want to ruminate on.”

Harmonies have been front and centre for Lake Street Dive since their early days in Boston. Check out "Sarah" - the record's final track - sung a cappella. Lush, rich, beautifully emotive. 

On "Obviously", Grammy-winning producer Mike Elizondo has not only captured but extrapolated upon Lake Street Dive's diverse and eclectic talents. Says Kearney, "We've been a band for so long we didn't want to just become a feedback loop of our own ideas ... Mike really opened us up. He encouraged us to make bolder arrangement choices, take those chances and try those things. The record really is a success in what we set out to do: continue to challenge ourselves, continue to grow, and do things we've never done before."

Obviously could well be my favourite album of summer 2021. And their name? Well, it comes from the name of a street in Olson's hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A street which was home to a lot of "dives". I love it! Olson may have left the band (amicably, with love) this last year but the spirit he co-founded and the musical melting pot he delivered will no doubt live on. 

Lake Street Dive is a delightful new addition to our Wave playlist. Obviously ... I am in love.

Vickie van Dyke

Morning Host