BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LEXINGTON — After the acclaimed release of their ironically named debut album, “Bon Voyage,” LÄZERTÄG, the indie dream pop duo formed by Martin County natives Joe Dean Hinkle and LouRae Stacy, now embark on a new journey – a vinyl release of the new record.
For those who caught the duo’s innovative sound and unique blending of “creamy and dreamy” elements from their first single “Frolic,” the album presents a fuller realization of their musical potential, offering an immersive musical experience that’s both intriguing and enchanting. As Hinkle has described their music, it’s “an Alice in Wonderland style affair,” and this album undoubtedly reflects that sentiment.
The campaign to release the album on vinyl is being run through Qrates, a music platform designed specifically for vinyl records, allowing artists to crowdfund their releases directly from their fans. In a time when artists and fans alike are longing for the tactile sensation of music that only physical media like vinyl, CDs and floppy discs can provide, LÄZERTÄG’s decision to go vinyl feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
On this path, the duo will need the support of their fans more than ever. LÄZERTÄG encourages their fans and followers to pre-order the album via their social media platforms, where they have provided links. This strategy, allowing fans to be a part of the publishing process, underscores their grassroots approach to music creation.
As for the album itself, “Bon Voyage” proves to be an evocative and lush collection of tracks that further expands upon the themes and sounds introduced in their debut single “Frolic.” Stacy’s “mystifyingly jazzy” vocals and Hinkle’s “haunted Bossa Nova guitar chords” are woven throughout the album, creating a distinct and captivating soundscape. Their signature shoegaze sensibility, combined with the myriad influences that inform their music, carves out a unique and memorable space in the listener’s mind.
“Bon Voyage” is more than just an album; it’s a testament to LÄZERTÄG’s commitment to their music and their community. By choosing to crowdfund their vinyl release, they not only share their journey with their fans but also invite them to be a part of the creative process. This approach, much like their music, is a unique blend of the contemporary and the traditional, solidifying LÄZERTÄG’s distinct place in the music scene.