Loverboy – Brett Dennen

Six foot four and unapologetically ginger, Californian folk/pop singer-songwriter was always going to attract attention. And it’s this, his fourth studio album, that’s getting a concerted Australian push, although local audiences might have seen the singer in action when he supported the John Butler Trio last year. Clearly the visit had an effect on him, as his new single and perhaps the most instantly addictive single here, Sydney (I’ll Come Running), even includes a mention of Surry Hills. Throughout, the mood is sunny and upbeat, with Dennen’s loved-up, celebratory lyrics soundtracked by jangling guitars. It’s sweet and sincere without the sugar overload that affects so many of his pop/folk contemporaries.