The title of this third studio album is not very imaginative, which is a shame because it immediately lowers your expectations from this talented young band. Even the album itself, produced by The Clash’s Mick Jones, isn’t quite as ambitious or exciting as we’d hoped.
Opening track, Whenever You See Me, is one of the more energetic on the album, adding some big band piano and brass to the mix. It’s a strong start. Baby Bye Bye is the first song with older sibling Lewis on vocals. He’s like the hybrid of Jack White and C.W. Stoneking. Feeling of Wonder is a soulful ditty reminiscent of bands like Saskwatch or Blue King Brown, while No Action starts soft and slow before launching drums and a killer bass riff.
Lewis returns to vocals for Good Looking Woman, a song about long-distance love affairs; a common theme the trio seem to explore this time ‘round. Turkish Delight is a bouncing beat that’s much more in tune with their previous album, 2011’s Smoking in Heaven. It Ain’t Your Business utilises the male/female vocal dynamic to nice effect, with a duelling electric guitar/harmonica backing to complement.
Ain’t Always Better Your Way lacks energy but thankfully Bitchin’ in the Kitchen makes up for it in spades, while Never Get Back packs an emotional punch. Whiskey is a sombre country ballad, featuring a sweeping acoustic rhythm and string section and the album finishes with Developer’s Disease, which keeps the Southern country vibe going strong.
BY CHRIS BRIGHT
