The Luxury — This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Mad Science Studios, Allston, MA

The Luxury is lucky to have a frontman like Jason Dunn. It’s not everyday that a lead singer comes along who is 70 percent Michael Stipe, 30 percent David Pirner, and sounds like a developing American version of Liam Gallagher. This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things was recorded entirely in Dunn’s room without the use of any amplifiers. For a debut mixed in a bedroom, the effort sounds surprisingly professional (it doesn’t hurt that Dunn has a degree in audio production).

The most striking aspect of this album is its accessibility. Listeners will find that regardless of the situation, the music delivers on multiple levels. Whether you’ve had a horrible day dealing with the minutia of everyday life, are looking to rock out on the weekend or even drink a few beers on the porch on a sunny afternoon, the record, despite its discouraging title, provides a solid backbone to whatever mood a listener might be in.

On the first track, “Let Go,” the Oasis influence becomes immediately manifest. Riding straight-up, guitar-based rock, the song showcases simple yet catchy lyrical patterns. Dunn’s phrasing on the opener sounds very similar to that heard on “Let Forever Be,” a Chemical Brothers track originally written by Noel Gallagher. “Seven Stories” is a great follow-up, maintaining the high energy level. Dunn also shows some veteran production capabilities on this song. The layering of the back-up vocals, synthesizers, and searing lead guitar is perfectly woven in with Dunn’s dynamic vocal performance.

Guitarist Daanen Krouth shows his chops by shredding through several blues-based solos. On the epic “Rockets and Wrecking Balls” (the strongest song on the album), Krouth rips off licks that will give the listener a stiff upper lip. On “So Easy,” Krouth and Dunn perfectly display their guitar and vocal talents. Another easy sing-along, this mid-tempo, bluesy rock song features strong vocals, easy-going pop melodies, and a blistering guitar solo that really brings the song full circle. During the bittersweet chorus, Dunn’s voice resonates with a satisfying twang: “It’s so easy to bring you ("me" - ed.) down / It’s so easy when you’re not around / To waste my time / To use ("lose" - ed.) my mind.”

Overall, it’s obvious that Dunn knows how to write a rock song, and knows how to layer his work.

-Michael Aceto