Alexander O'Connor, aka Rex Orange County, is a gifted performer who makes emotive, somewhat lo-fi songs infused with jazzy chords and '70s singer/songwriter lyricism. It's a sound that helped draw listeners to 2017's Apricot Princess, and one which he continues to develop on his third album, 2019's Pony. O'Connor's laid-back style and naturally resonant vocals bring to mind a quirkier version of contemporary artists like Jamie Cullum or John Legend. He also evokes the style of classic performers like Elton John and Randy Newman; a connection he made even more explicit in 2018 on his duet single with Newman on "You've Got a Friend." Despite his old-school skills, O'Connor, who was 21 at the time of recording, is also a product of his generation, favoring a low-key flow that's as informed by hip-hop as it is indie rock. Both likeable and ambitious, Pony showcases O'Connor's abilities, bringing together emotionally candid lyrics with jazz-informed arrangements, accented with horns, strings, and even a children's choir.
| A1 | 10/10 |
| A2 | Always |
| A3 | Laser Lights |
| A4 | Face To Face |
| A5 | Stressed Out |
| B1 | Never Had The Balls |
| B2 | Pluto Projector |
| B3 | Every Way |
| B4 | It Gets Better |
| B5 | It's Not The Same Anymore |
