Ultimate Painting: Quiet Gambles Pay Off

Ultimate Painting, featuring Jack Cooper of Mazes and James Hoare of Veronica Falls, centers on their shared talent for crafting economical, three-minute songs. Their sound draws clear inspiration from the patient melodies of the Velvet Underground's third album and the garage-pop sensibilities of New Zealand bands like The Chills and The Bats.

The band's follow-up album, "Green Lanes," presents an even more casual and subdued musical experience, often ticking along at medium or slower tempos. While initially seeming relaxed, the album's deceptively simple guitar interplay and anonymous melodies gradually reveal their personality and depth upon repeated listening.

"Green Lanes" is cohesive, with lyrical themes that mirror its understated moods. Many songs explore the simple pleasures of nature, referencing elements like ocean, beach, fog, and sun. Tracks such as "(I've Got the) Sanctioned Blues" offer relatable narratives on everyday life, tinged with a contemplative quality.

While their music lacks overt ambition, Ultimate Painting's commitment to a low-key style is a deliberate choice, akin to bands like American Analog Set and Low. This humble gamble on subtlety and calm devotion to their craft proves rewarding on "Green Lanes," delivering a richly nuanced listening experience.