A Perth, Australia songwriter who knows his way around a pop song you probably won't be able to categorize, but will certainly remember long after it ends, Lyndon Blue returns with seven tracks on Wet Paint, where the eccentric song structure both fascinates and mystifies in his inimitable vision.

The unpredictable affair starts with plenty of ambience as soft saxophone, spacey pulsing and random noises enter the avant-garde setting of the psychedelic inspired art-noise on the dreamy “Wet Paint Pt. 1,” before shifting into the vocally strong post-punk swagger of “Wet Paint Pt. 2.” A more straightforward formula, thick guitars and a droning quality make this one a bit hypnotic and darker in spirit, too.

In the middle, the bouncy bass of “Hold Music” offers a firm beat as an even jangly quality enters the exciting indie-pop prowess, while “Room For Jack” is a busy display of uniquely textured, multifaceted rock. “Weird Horizon,” the album highlight, then recruits a dance-friendly landscape of atypical synth-pop that brings us back to the days of disco.

The last two tracks are on par with the creativity present on the rest of the album, and includes the soft and mysterious “I Need A Window,” and “Little Scroll” exits the listen on an experimental note, with vocal effects, light synth flourishes and a minor buzzing presence that's tailor-made for the club and not short on grooves, either.

Liam “Snowy” Hallwell handles saxophone and Daniel Harrison sits behind the drum kit here, and they help very much with the lush, intricate and largely unconventional approach to songwriting that Blue embraces. Without a doubt an artist who resides comfortably in the outsider pop umbrella, Blue makes Wet Paint a fantastic, nostalgic experience that settles well in its entirety rather than as individual tracks, and only gets better with each listen.

Rating: B+

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