Vincent HL: Golden Sun (digital outlets)

On this album following his absorbingly ragged gloom-rock 2018 debut Weird Days, Vincent H.L. – from Kumeu, south of South Auckland – can no more avoid comparisons with Neil Young than Liam Gallagher with Oasis.

The difference being Gallagher was in Oasis.

H.L.'s problem is compounded by his style – Neil of the early 70s – being not only up against old Neil but current Neil because, inconveniently, Young – unlike Oasis – is still active.

H.L.'s PR says he writes “tales of stoned isolation, outsider observations of rank outsiders, days hanging out or driving around with nowhere to be and nothing to do, sun-kissed reflections of new love and night time laments of love's lost longings”.

Familiar?

Enjoyable and recognisable.

But unless you've worn out your third copy of Harvest . . .

.

You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here