almost a 3 month hiatus after a flood. i guess that makes some sense, because i haven't been listening to much new recently. at the same time, apologies, etc. let's get to it.
i have serious issues with liking this cd. the lyrics are kind of simplistic. the story-telling is somewhat cliched. the symbolism is silly. the musical style seems like a bluesier white stripes, or something. maybe i just say that because of the piano and stripped down guitar/bass. i'm not going to lie: the band name didn't do them any favors either, as it evokes images of the get up kids, one of the worst opening acts i've seen in my life.
but let's re-examine for a moment: simplistic symbolism, bare lyrics, somewhat cliched stories - sounds kind of like 'blues for dummies,' doesn't it? ooh, a piano and low-key instrumentation with a powerful and unique lead singer? add in the indie tendencies and you have an album that i just can't stop playing. much like tvotr, this cd slowly seeped into my consciousness. i am glad that it is so persistent, as multiple listens shows that 'robbers & cowards' is not as simple as i had first thought and should not be ignored.
the single, 'hang me up to dry' you have probably heard. it's a reasonable starting point. 'saint john' and 'hospital beds' pull in opposite directions to show the depth of the band - 'saint john' is almost straight blues, and 'hospital beds' is more poignant and indie-ish. the first track, 'we used to vacation,' is also really good, and i guess i could say that about a few other tracks but that would be a bit silly. anyway, 'hospital beds' is the highlight of the album without a doubt.
the album as a whole works pretty well, though i think a few of the songs are pretty skippable (sorry, 'passing the hat'). overall, it's a good listen. a bit more bluesy than rocking, and indie all the way down.
8/10
i have serious issues with liking this cd. the lyrics are kind of simplistic. the story-telling is somewhat cliched. the symbolism is silly. the musical style seems like a bluesier white stripes, or something. maybe i just say that because of the piano and stripped down guitar/bass. i'm not going to lie: the band name didn't do them any favors either, as it evokes images of the get up kids, one of the worst opening acts i've seen in my life.
but let's re-examine for a moment: simplistic symbolism, bare lyrics, somewhat cliched stories - sounds kind of like 'blues for dummies,' doesn't it? ooh, a piano and low-key instrumentation with a powerful and unique lead singer? add in the indie tendencies and you have an album that i just can't stop playing. much like tvotr, this cd slowly seeped into my consciousness. i am glad that it is so persistent, as multiple listens shows that 'robbers & cowards' is not as simple as i had first thought and should not be ignored.
the single, 'hang me up to dry' you have probably heard. it's a reasonable starting point. 'saint john' and 'hospital beds' pull in opposite directions to show the depth of the band - 'saint john' is almost straight blues, and 'hospital beds' is more poignant and indie-ish. the first track, 'we used to vacation,' is also really good, and i guess i could say that about a few other tracks but that would be a bit silly. anyway, 'hospital beds' is the highlight of the album without a doubt.
the album as a whole works pretty well, though i think a few of the songs are pretty skippable (sorry, 'passing the hat'). overall, it's a good listen. a bit more bluesy than rocking, and indie all the way down.
8/10