L.J. David - Invitation By Rumour

L.J. David

Invitation By Rumour
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

L.J. David is no newcomer to music. At the tender age of five, David was studying violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Before the age of ten he switched his primary instrument to guitar. Years later David ended up finishing his degree at York University in Toronto. Recently, he released a full-length album entitled Invitation By Rumour in which along with guitar he plays violin, bass, piano, drums and also sings.

As I started delving into Invitation By Rumour I felt like it was a little bit displaced in time. I don’t think this is necessarily a good or bad thing but it definitely creates a mood. The first thing I noticed was the guitar tone on the first track “Step Aside.” There is a distinct ‘80s feel to the tone that reminded me of artists like Joe Satriani and Eddie Van Halen. Even the drums are reminiscent of the ‘80s in that they aren't overly compressed and lay relatively low in the mix.

I would argue that out of all the great decades of music Invitation By Rumour is most reminiscent of ‘80s rock with a tinge of late ‘70s. The second song “Heart Of Steel” is one of the deviations that veers away from distorted guitar and embraces clean elements, delays and reverbs, which creates an ethereal atmosphere. I was reminded of Pink Floyd at times when I heard the guitar fills and chorus. On top of that David dances around existential topics. His lyrics aren’t ambiguous or even poetic but straightforward lacking any need for interpretation. He sings, “ When will you treat me right? Why should I even care? Cause it’s not for real Why can’t you be polite? You do not dare, you don’t conceal You’ve got a heart of steel.”

Other songs like “One Foot in Front of the Other” feel like it tips its hat to blues and classic rock. That being said there is still a ‘80s vibe at times which seems to come from his vocal delivery. “Moment in the Shade” is a fairly straightforward rock/pop song that also is one of the most infectious songs on the album while “Promisemaker Pete” contains well-implemented overlapping vocal harmonies. 

As the album progresses the songs feel solidly consistent with a distorted guitar leading the charge against his vocals. “Five to Nine” and “Felt Like Flying (Use It All)” were personal favorites. 

Invitation By Rumour is far from the most innovative music happening in 2015 but that doesn't’ mean it doesn’t have something to offer. David is a solid songwriter and a great instrumentalist who feels somewhat retro and refreshing at the same time. 

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