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 brings 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. Cuts like "Always," "Pluto Projector," and "10/10" are lushly delivered and packed with wry turns of phrase like "Give myself a little credit, since I dealt with all the pain. Yeah, I turned superhero. I'm coming in Bruce Wayne," as O'Connor sings on "10/10." There are other memorable moments here in the cheeky, synth-pop influenced "Never Had the Balls" and the orchestral R&B groover "It Gets Better." Both songs make good on O'Connor's developing talent, and prove he has the ability to translate his quirky, wordy aesthetic into hooky anthems. ~ Matt Collar