Wax Limousine＜Colored Vinyl＞

In a way, Wesley Gonzalezs third album, Wax Limousine, is a perfect tonal reflection of its title: A shining flex of glossy opulence that, in fact turns out to be something altogether more malleable and porous. Its vivid horn stacks and bright synth stabs come leaping out of the speakers covered in a sort of audio shrink-wrap as Gonzalez, in his caterwauling croon, sings of disappointment, heartache, and a family members cancer diagnosis. Like his previous record, 2020s Appalling Human, the London singer/songwriters affection for eclectic, occasionally dazzling smart pop is apparent throughout these 12 meandering cuts. Opener "Greater Expectations," an uptempo duet with Rose Elinor Dougall, is a thrill of punchy melodic pop, while tracks like "In Confidence, Im Scared" and "Its You" skip almost manically across sonic reference points ranging from Prefab Sprout to Elton John. Like many (almost too) smart pop songmen, Gonzalez packs Wax Limousine with eclectic choices and a sense of oddball showmanship which deflects from the vulnerability of many of his lyrics. At times it just feels like too much, but when he strikes the right balance, like on the excellent "1,2,3,4,5 Just Get Rid of It," he truly shines. ~ Timothy Monger