Dan Bettridge - “L.A.F.E.”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Hozier, Marc Cohn, The War on Drugs

Smooth-voiced Dan Bettridge followed up his debut full-length last summer with Good People. Bad Habits., a collection introducing atmospheric dream pop to his musical arsenal. Less Southern soul and more ambient rock, Bettridge’s modernized sound blends seamlessly with his unique, throwback vocal. It’s like yacht rock performed with introspective tenderness, a new sound in the pop pantheon and a fascinating next step from the Welsh singer-songwriter. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: Combining emotional singer-songwriter, country rock, and indie pop tones, Dan Bettridge covers a surprisingly wide range given his mostly somber tone throughout his 2018 debut full-length Asking for Trouble. A reflective record that’s like Southern rock stripped down to its roots, the Welsh artist twist that sound by averting swampy/gritty directions for a soft pop croon with overflowing, gospel-infused soul. While Asking for Trouble sounds of an artist in the midst of discovering his own sound, he hits more often than not especially when he gets into mild dream rock territory like on “Blame” and 2019 follow-up single “Hollywood Forever”.