SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DAVID UDELL – IT’S WORTH IT

DAVID UDELL
IT’S WORTH IT
INDEPENDENT

David Udell is a member of two bands, art rock band Wax Theatricks and avant/pop band Delay Tactics. Every so often he strikes out on his own. It’s Worth It is his second solo album (his first, Orchids, was released in 2015).  He has not left the other bands, but a solo album was a very good idea.

The album opens with the rocker “Watching The Freak Parade”, which is a brilliant way to introduce the album. Lyrically, it is quite political, and it has a rocking sound. Udell is not one to shy away from expressing himself. He does it with such a lovely melody, the juxtaposition just brings a smile to one’s face.

“Slow Song” is not unlike Wish You Were Here-era Pink Floyd mixed with solo Syd Barrett. It actually works quite nicely, and the end result is a very new and unique sound. Songs like “Made My Peace” bring to mind The Beatles and prog rock, with great sounds to accentuate certain points. That’s one of the cool things about It’s Worth It, one just does not have any idea where he is going musically or lyrically throughout the entire album. Even an experimental track like “Unexplored Expanses” is a treat and quite enjoyable. And it is the perfect introduction to the closing track.

Udell has a great voice and knows when songs have come to a natural ending. He doesn’t prolong anything, and he is quite happy to leave space and time to bring the song to life. “Is It Worth It?” is a great example. The song builds and reaches a very satisfying ending. The same can be said about the album. He has structured the album to have an arc and the last song, the title track, actually leaves the listener with hope. It is indeed a lovely sentiment.

It’s Worth It is a brilliant album, well worth one’s time to listen. It is a perfect summer album. Musically, it is interesting and damn catchy. It is fun to listen to an album that makes one reach for headphones to hear every nuance going on throughout.  The album is a gem, full of great rock songs but at the source are high quality and well-structured songs. It’s Worth It is certainly worth it and comes highly recommended.

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