This is one of those oscillating albums. Meaning, it swings back and forth and it can feel very different depending on where you are when you catch it.
I liked it when it came out. Then I probably quite quickly moved on and for some reason, I forgot all about it. To the point, I didn't even explore any of their subsequent releases. Probably because that particular scene got oversatursted way too quickly, back then. And partly, because it is somewhat simplistic and feels always there within reach, but not enough to call out to you.
Had I rated it at my first one or two revisits, I would probably have gone somewhere between a 5 and a 6, after noting it was pleasant enough and a good reminder of an album of its time.
But now I seem to be at the peak of the wave of this album, so going to score it before it troughs again.
The simplicity, works really well (when it hits the mood/timing). For almost the same reason everyone puts Oasis on the pedastal they imo shouldn't even be able to see the top of. 'It is just a gang of pals wanting to make some music and have fun'. That's ultimately the feeling of it and when you're in your lad mood, it hits the spot. You can bob along to it, have the rhytm in the background, the foreground, and move on when you need to without being chained to it. You can imagine yourself and pals attempting your own band.
Beyond that, the bass is what absolutely carries it. And it is good, and enjoyable, and if you take the time to almost isolate it from the rest, it will intrigue a lot more.
Good consistency to it, not overly long either, the pace works. The singing is neither here nor there but doesn't rely on it.
In terms of simplicity vs complexity, it is certainly not Radiohead is it, it is almost the opposite. But sometimes a plain old fried egg on toast is just what you want, over some coddled egg benedict soufflé melange thingymabob, and this album gives you just that. A solid 7.
I liked it when it came out. Then I probably quite quickly moved on and for some reason, I forgot all about it. To the point, I didn't even explore any of their subsequent releases. Probably because that particular scene got oversatursted way too quickly, back then. And partly, because it is somewhat simplistic and feels always there within reach, but not enough to call out to you.
Had I rated it at my first one or two revisits, I would probably have gone somewhere between a 5 and a 6, after noting it was pleasant enough and a good reminder of an album of its time.
But now I seem to be at the peak of the wave of this album, so going to score it before it troughs again.
The simplicity, works really well (when it hits the mood/timing). For almost the same reason everyone puts Oasis on the pedastal they imo shouldn't even be able to see the top of. 'It is just a gang of pals wanting to make some music and have fun'. That's ultimately the feeling of it and when you're in your lad mood, it hits the spot. You can bob along to it, have the rhytm in the background, the foreground, and move on when you need to without being chained to it. You can imagine yourself and pals attempting your own band.
Beyond that, the bass is what absolutely carries it. And it is good, and enjoyable, and if you take the time to almost isolate it from the rest, it will intrigue a lot more.
Good consistency to it, not overly long either, the pace works. The singing is neither here nor there but doesn't rely on it.
In terms of simplicity vs complexity, it is certainly not Radiohead is it, it is almost the opposite. But sometimes a plain old fried egg on toast is just what you want, over some coddled egg benedict soufflé melange thingymabob, and this album gives you just that. A solid 7.