Transgressions: A Brief Review Of The New Album From Mozart Estate (Lawrence From Felt, Go-Kart Mozart)

The legendary Lawrence could have just retired after his work with Felt and patted himself on the back for the rest of his life. Given how monumentally special those 10 studio albums from Felt remain, Lawrence didn't seek to top them, but go in other directions with Denim, Go-Kart Mozart, and now Mozart Estate. The last Mozart Estate album was a delight, and I'm happy to report that the new one, Tower Block in a Jam Jar provides just as much listening pleasure.

Opener "Summer is Here" is a bit like some material Lawrence offered up with Denim, which is to say it's a big pop tune and the sort of thing that should by rights be a Top 10 hit. The breezy "Selifh and Lazy and Greedy" is even better. Over a keyboard hook like something from a Seventies hit, and with backing vocals that sugar the sentiment, Lawrence sings with more wit than we've heard from him in a few years. The tune's autobiographical but sweetly pitched, and Lawrence sounds more invigorated here than he has in a bit. Similarly, "Electric Rock and Roll" is superbly produced, with a vibe like a lost Elton John single. Not sure what Lawrence would say about that, but given his love of Pop, he may appreciate that comparison.

A few years ago in my interview with Lawrence, the singer seemed frustrated at his lack of a big chart breakthrough. And while stuff here like the peppy "Transgressions" is unlikely to give him the big hit he wants, that song, like others on this record, is delightful. Lawrence still has a way with a hook, and whether chirpy synth-pop, or Seventies-inspired pop, the guy continues to impress with his versatility with the song form.

Tower Block in a Jam Jar by Lawrence is out now via Cherry Red Records.

More details on Lawrence via the official site.