Album Review: Subsatellite

True to Hayes’ own description of a Subsatellite, this collection of characters in song is more than meets the eye. Much more. 

A richly textured sonic feast, the sophomore album from Te Waiponamu artist Lachie Hayes is a testament to big things emerging from small places, and an easy way to lose 40 odd minutes in musical bliss as every track recaptures and sends you swirling off into another universe, another story of intrigue, devilry and nostalgia. All I can say is, buckle up.

Guided by the unearthly talents of Blair Savory and Tahne Brown from Massav Studios, and led by the incomparable production of Delany Davidson, Subsatellite displays an eclectic array of influences while maintaining an authenticity and originality. 

Of the studio experience Lachie says; “It was a truly great experience. Blair is passionate about local music and made the whole thing happen. Having Delaney on board was cool as he brought his distinctive Lyttleton sound to the studio, which created a cohesion through the various places and themes within the songs themselves.”

It is clear Hayes is a storyteller. Each track takes the listener on a journey with some rough or raw character, a cowboy or romantic, a hero or a villain, and I’m enamoured by them all.

Opening track The Likes Of You sets the scene for a foot stomping good time, eschewing specific genre limitations, fusing country, dirty blues and a touch of soul and delivering a punchy and unpretentious vocal performance that carries throughout. The quality of the production captivates immediately and it takes me all of 20seconds to know this album will be on rotation in my headphones for some time. 

The following Foot Stompin Boogie is a deliciously indulgent nod to these genre fusions and the energy of the album is well and truly set as I find myself imagining the bars southern aesthetic, the stools baring whiskey slugging cowgirls, and the crowd unable to hold back from dancing to the rambling conversation between harmonica and guitar on stage. Track 3, Convict Guns, really brings the characters of Subsatellite to life, with its lively Americana swagger and in the title track following, we’re treated to some swampy blues and a warmth to the vocal performance that seems to me a more personal reflection than other characters of the album.

The shift of Lonesome Hearted Lovers to a gentle reflective melody is perfectly placed and it’s contented vulnerability speaks again to the theme of a Subsatellite, to the significant insignificance of small stories. The final lyric I find particularly haunting and beautiful. “Some day out in central I’ll get shot down, for breaking someone’s heart out in a small town, but that’s not for a while yet I know now, Once again I wander off alone.”

This haunting beauty is amplified in the Anaphora of This River and romanticism of Fire In My Heart where Kayla Mahon’s accompanying vocals lend a longing and warmth. It’s the guest vocals of Oscar Ladell in Easy To Fall For You that really grab this listener however, the power and gritty ease of his voice a satisfying salute to the blues influence of the album.

S.O.B, King of The Night Out On The Tiles and Woman That Tamed The Devil, all deliver just the right amount of charm, swagger and suspense, and that foot stomping rhythm we’re introduced to in those first few seconds of Subsatellite, expertly captivate to the very last note.

Bound together beautifully in theme and an undeniable musicianship, Subsatellite is imbued with an emotional urgency, that I personally, crave in music. Hayes’ ability to serve both grit and sensitivity in songwriting, captured with such raw clarity by this utterly delicious production, has made this album an exquisite piece of art and a damn good time.