Jack Ladder is just the latest of a line of Aussies displaying their song-writing brilliance.
Ladder portrays a character better than anyone but what that character is, no one is quite sure. Ladder is not as conspicuous as best pal and tour buddy Alex Cameron, but the mysteriousness of Ladder only adds to the aura.
Live, Ladder is sloth-like as he slowly stumbles around the stage, exerting all of his energy on lowering his stool's height and standing up. He manages to intricately blend the Nick Cave of the 'Dig Lazarus Dig' era with Cave's latest venture, 'Skeleton Tree'. The dry twisted tales contrasting the pop instrumentals
Lyrically, at times it even appears he may have fallen asleep before waking up and spewing his deepest, darkest tales a top of the rather oxymoronic, chirpy, insouciant instrumentals: "Richard was the one...When the rear breaks failed...He was buried in the autumn sun". There's a purposeful confusion throughout Ladder's lyrics which may explain his lackadaisical live shows. His latest long-play venture opens with the line, "Lately I've been feeling like I'm back inside the womb, everything is upside down and I can't get out too soon."
Then throughout the record he continues to drop confusing statements, "I'm laughing at my own jokes, I'm barking at the dog". These bizarre bombshells feature throughout the LP and compliment Ladder's confused face worn throughout his performance. He enjoys appearing as an eccentric mad man who is uncertain of what he's actually doing despite oozing precariousness as he staggers across stage.
There's an air of simplicity about Jack Ladder upon first listen or viewing. However, much more than a window shop is required to appreciate the sleepyhead gentle giant that is Jack Ladder. These Aussies know how to do lounge rock better than anyone and Ladder is just another example of this.
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