Tag Archives: Sean La’Brooy

Switched On: Sean La’Brooy – There’s Always Next Year (Analogue Attic)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

There’s Always Next Year has a very English feel to its title, though its roots lie more accurately in shattered sports fantasies. It is, says Sean La’Brooy, ‘a tribute to the misguided hopes and dreams of a sports fan. Field recordings and commentary from a range of codes weave between silky saxophone lines and piano chords in what is a textbook showcase of the classic Analogue Attic downtempo and early evening sound we’ve come to know.’

It is La’Brooy’s second solo release, a complement to his work in tandem with Alex Albrecht as one half of Albrecht La’Brooy.

What’s the music like?

One of those silky saxophone lines can be heard early on in Offseason Getaway, courtesy of Greg Carleton – who allows the instrument to wander above active yet sensitive drumming from Leo Yucht.

The music has a wider, outdoor span thanks to La’Brooy’s roomy production – and that comes into its own for the beautiful scenes painted by Curse and 3rd and 28, where the commentary field recordings only heighten the ambience. Carleton returns for a delightfully lazy contribution to the atmospheric 140 to the Pin, where the pace quickens and the style switches to deep house. There it stays for the much busier Let, with bell-like melodic loops and urgent beats.

Finally we return to a trio with Carleton and Yucht for the regret-laden title track, with airy consolation found from keyboards too.

Does it all work?

It does. Consolation for sports fans is close at hand!

Is it recommended?

Very much so – if you’ve been following La’Brooy or Albrecht, you will find much to enjoy here. It is music to slow the pace and soothe the fevered brow of modern life.

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Switched On – Albrecht La’Brooy: Healesville (Apollo)

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What’s the story?

Albrecht La’Brooy – the Melbourne duo of Sean La’Brooy and Alex Albrecht – bring this 40-minute album of improvised ambience to calm our nerves. Their Spotify biography tells the real story, describing an approach looking to ‘modernise the classic jazz format while walking ambient music through the rainforest and down to the shore. Absorbing Australia’s landscape to craft enlightened, on the fly performances that are never to be missed and never to be repeated’.

What’s the music like?

‘Natural ambience’ is the most appropriate description, for the music is rooted in field recordings made by the pair. On Healesville these include noises associated with tending the land – a tractor is especially prominent – but also a wider sound scape which includes bird noises, indistinct voices and other sounds caught on the breeze. Above this are long, held notes, a slightly shrill bird-like sound and softly intoned piano unisons or chords with plenty of sustain, which unfold like an improvised chorale. The held notes behind can range from one single pitch to thicker clumps but always feel consonant in their make-up.

The fact that two of the five tracks on this album bear the word ‘lullaby’ tells a lot of the mood and tempo at which Albrecht La’Brooy operate, but as well as relaxation there is positive energy to be found in abundance, especially in the piano playing. Sean’s Lullaby may have a good deal of reverb, but its stream of consciousness respectfully echoes Satie and Debussy.

Does it all work?

Healesville is a supremely calming listen, experienced at its best on the morning commute but equally effective in a quiet room. It sets an incredibly restful outdoor scene, making the listener feel as though they are lying on their back in a field with no reason to get up any time soon.

Is it recommended?

Yes, and especially to every commuter whose fevered brow needs soothing!

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