Now, I don't hate nostalgic qualities in current music, as long as they call back to a musical era that is actually worth recreating. 60s garage rock? Sure, though it is a bit played out at this point. 70s funk? Ehh. 80s synthesizer pop? Please stop. If there is any era of music that should experience any kind of revival, it's the loud, brash grunge/indie rock that held its epitome in the 90s. We came across one album that was as described last year, Grooms' Rejoicer. However, I would like to declare Hospital Garden's self-titled debut as 2010's official 90s throwback album.
The crunchy, mangled and distorted guitar tone of Johnny Foreigner, vocals that sound like a mix between Steve Albini of Shellac and Matt Talbott of Hum, and a hard-hitting and tight rhythm section keeping every song perfectly woven together. "Look Alive!" has a catchy, buzzing guitar riff and an untamed forcefulness, all backed up by reminiscence of bands like Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. "Banshee" reminds me of the infectious, female-fronted 1994 hit song that was Veruca Salt's "Seether". Silkworm even intersects Hospital Garden's influences on the track "Young Republicans" though it may not be completely prominent. Originality may not shine through, but at least Hospital Garden bring back a great decade of music in a lively, upbeat manner.
This album, however, doesn't obtain its raucous aura from beginning to end. In fact, the album is sort of split into two categories when it comes to the types of songwriting it has. 60% of this album has the raw, driving and energetic nature as mentioned. 40% shows the band's more mellow and sentimental side. Though this side does give the album variety and dynamics, I often feel bored during these songs and long for the fuzzy and hyper-melodic side of Hospital Garden.
Hospital Garden is a great debut, filled with simple melodies, pervasive immediacy and a relentless attitude. A summertime release is also convenient for this album due to the instantly upbeat and active vibe it gives. With bands like Guided By Voices and Built To Spill listed as influences, Hospital Garden manage to sound relevant with Todd Tobias's production efforts. Though acting as an homage to the 90s, Hospital Garden still grasp a somewhat definitive sound that could be better established in releases to come.
[Hospital Garden Myspace]
[Buy Hospital Garden from Cerberus Records]
No comments:
Post a Comment