Rui Gabriel ★★★★
Compassion
CARPARK. CD/DL/LP
The Venezuelan half of indie rockers Lawn goes solo.
As Lawn, Rui Gabriel and Mac Folger’s sharp, jittery rock triangulates the space between The Shins, Parquet Courts and Pavement. Gabriel’s solo debut instead opts for a gorgeously warm, light-footed pop that roams freely. Dreamy Boys is a wistful Elliott Smith; Hunting Knife canters like Belle And Sebastian; Eyes Only recasts the Velvets’ Sweet Jane riff as a summery Modern Lovers; Money’s piano-based groove looks to Madchester. This successful venture into melodic indie comes with sage singer-songwriter reflection, as thirtysomething husband and parent Gabriel recalls an irresponsible youth and, as a South American relocated to New Orleans, an outsider’s perspective on his US neighbours, who don’t see much of that titular compassion. That he saves for a neighbour’s grumpy dog (End Of My Rope), his wife (If You Want It) and the carefree Rui Gabriel he had to let go (Change Your Mind).