Songs Of My Lap - The Prize
[Unlabel]

The alter-ego of thirty something, Unlabel veteran Alex Hancock, “The Prize” is his fourth solo full-length, under this guise, with the Turnbridge Wells imprint and sits alongside his contributions to the Unhome and Rebus releases on the same label.

Incorporating guitar, piano and occasionally computer-enhanced synth work, Hancock’s style recalls Bill Callahan’s Smog project and at times there is certain fragility in his voice that reminds of a young Neil Young. While the first handful of tracks seem rather monochromatic, “Messy For You” raises the bar with a tempo change propelled by a grungy chord progression, some obscured vocals and distant, skewed synth work.

After this “The Prize” seems to take on new life and the bittersweet harmonies of the title track come as a pleasant surprise, followed by the poignant “I Am Having the Time of My Life” and the longing and nostalgic “Salty Air”. Special mention also must be given to the quite hilarious, yet seemingly sporadic, lyrical content on the short but sweet “Your Eyes Stop Big Trucks”. A diminutive, minimal and occasionally beautiful release.

Track Listing:

1. Consider It All
2. Bones
3. Your Eyes Stop Big Trucks
4. The 2nd Time Is More Better.
5. The Goods
6. Messy For You
7. The Prize
8. I Am Having The Time of My Life
9. Salty Air
10. Dry Your Eyes Boy