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5 out of 10
Listening to people's break-up stories are trying at the best of times, and this hollering album from grunge emulators, Local H documents the solemn aftermath of a whole 12 Angry Months.
Having been on a four year break since the their last offering 2004's Whatever Happened To P.J. Soles?, the duo are eager to immediately lay their cards on the table with unyielding opener, The One With The 'Kid' as singer Scott Lucas divides the couple's friends and assets, the bitter tone is set.
Before you reach for the tea, sympathy and tissues it's clear from the raging melodies in Michelle (Again) that weeping is not on the agenda. And, in case doubt could be cast on Scott's views towards the end of this relationship, White Belt Boys has him growling, "I hope you have a lonely life", the repetition of which makes the track seem longer and uncomfortable to listen to, as if you too must feel physical pain as you listen to this journey of heartache, that just doesn't sit right.
A decade may have passed since the last glimmers of grunge faded, but Local H grab you by the neck for a weighty march back to this era, as they evoke the likes of Nirvana and Mudhoney. There's hints of college-rock too in their lyrics, which Scott animates with such rusty gnarls it's as though he gargles with creosote during the pauses between each song.
24 Hour Break-Up Session, is a rough and ragged anthem, that is the nearest the pair come to a sing-along all rounder that's accessible to everyone. Since Local H are known for their humour, it's questionable whether these boys are as serious as the dull theme of this album, especially with jibes like, Jesus Christ! Did You See The Size Of That Sperm Whale?
Further relief from the woes in this collection of self absorbed tales are offered in the calm doses of, The Summer of Boats, and, Simple Pleas, yet even these bouts are drenched and drowning in melancholy. Musically the album offers repeat and rewarding plays, but lyrically, well, unless you can laugh with and at the misfortunes of others, the real relief arrives when the sober tales comes to an end in, Hand to Mouth and a lid is put firmly back on this jackanory-box of relationship stories.
Access all areas may grant passage to everywhere, but in this case the invitation means the floodgates are open, for all to see and.HEAR!
Listen: www.myspace.com/localh
Tracklist:
1. The Once With The Kid
2. Michelle (Again)
3. BMW Man
4. White Belt Boys
5. The Summer of Boats
6. Taxi-Cabs
7. 24 Hour Break-Up Session
8. Jesus Christ! Did You See The Size Of That Sperm Whale?
9. Simple Pleas
10. Machine Shed Wrestling
11. Blur
12. Hand To Mouth
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