Album Review: Alex Cameron - Forced Witness

Sydney muso Alex Cameron has perfected the fine art of telling dark, sometimes sordid stories combined with oddly upbeat tunes, sober delivery and a tinge of black humour on Forced Witness.

With the presence of Brandon Flowers and Angel Olsen on the album, Cameron's tracks take on an increased level of catchiness and maturity, yet still belie the murky themes of his words - like being duped by a scammer on True Lies. Darkness and grit have rarely sounded so cheery thanks to the use of analog synths, saxophone solos and a hint of '80s pop that will have you wavering between tapping your feet, crying or laughing.