Darren Hayes writes in "Secret Codes and Battleships"

I trust you all are returning from a relaxing weekend.


Let me start off today with....SAVAGE GARDEN. What is the first thing that comes to mind? For me, its a smouldering man with unwavering good looks by the name of Darren Hayes. Apologies to his band member counterpart. Frankly, if Hayes wasn't batting for the other team, well heck, I'm still swooning over him.


Ahem, as I was saying Darren Hayes has returned with his forth solo album, "Secret codes and Battleships". The album is an intricately designed portrait of dulcet tunes that paints images and emotions of a journey to find true happiness.

The artist opens with "Talk Talk Talk" which reflects the singer's pop roots. The songs upbeat rhythms and bright undertones contrast with "taken by the sea". "Taken by the sea" is delicately bruised by emotional depth and soft pop chords to represent the daunting realisation that love has the ability to tear our world apart in a metaphorical storm. A glimmer of hope is present in "Nearly Love" where Darren challenges a blossoming relationship that has the potential to evolve.


Despite "Black Out the Sun" being the most heart rending song on the album, the harmonic progressions and lyrical storytelling makes it my favourite.


"Bloodstained Heart" musically translates into a kaleidoscope of colourful timbres that plays on his creative tuneful desires. This track is bound to be a hit for the summer!


When I listen to "God Walking into the Room" and "Roses", I am sonically reminded of "Spin" from Hayes' first solo album, "I Miss You". The two tracks boast of the singers lush voice where we find him lamenting in "...the last night on earth".


Hayes idyllically closes the album with "The Siren's Call" and I can't help but feel a sense of euphoria. The use of elated synthesising and effortless percussions nurse my emotional turmoil from previous tracks.


"Secret Codes and Battleships" places an emotional burden and only those who are able to endure the hardships of the album are able to soldier thought this phenomenon we call; LIFE.