The solo debut of Local Natives' singer, songwriter Kelcey Ayer is all about the trials and tribulations of love. There's nothing new in this, of course, but Ayer approaches the topic with a commitment that sounds like he's genuinely pouring his heart out rather than resorting to dull platitudes.
For instance, in lesser hands the aching tone of Love Me Like I'm Gone might sound thoroughly cheesy but he manages to nail the feelings of vulnerability that are part and parcel of any meaningful relationship.
He forsakes the anthemic sweep of the band sound in favour of ten slow piano/synthesizer led ballads. These were recorded in the same LA studio Local Natives used for their third album 'Sunlit Youth'.
Ayer says that the project is "me trying to embrace my nuances and indulge in it".
The Tasha of the title is his pet dog and this explains the black and white paw in hand cover shot.
The album is full of gorgeous melodies and soulful high-pitched vocals epitomized by the eponymous opening track Jaws Of Love.
Far from being just a bunch of half-baked ideas, there's a richness and depth that makes it an emotionally charged 'me, myself and I' concept album.
