Thursday, November 3, 2011

Hard-Fi "Killer Sounds"

I thought these guys had given up because it had been four years since their last record.  I eagerly snapped it up and popped it in the player.  Hmmmm, "I wonder what's happened to them during this lengthy hiatus...", I thought to myself, "...'cause it doesn't sound quite the same."  As it turns out, nothing.  Same members, just older.  OK, let me give it three spins before dropping a full-fledged opinion... 

And here it is...it's a Styx title; "Too Much Time On My Hands."  I suppose when your first two records go to #1 in England and sell a couple mil worldwide, you can afford to take a break.  In this case, however, I think they've wasted the momentum.  The early albums were loose and fun, a real Clash-y, dance-y, Specials sort of mix.  "Killer Sounds" is too calculated, consolidated and commercial.  Why try to be radio-friendly when you've already captured your fan base?  That being said, if you haven't been exposed to Hard-Fi before, then this new release is aimed at you. 


This is a prime example of what the record sounds like, but to me, this just sort of lays there, if you know what I mean.  They did have the good sense to pick this track as the second single, one of only two I'm retaining for the library...



So that about says it all.  If you like these two tunes, then you'll enjoy "Killer Sounds."  If your musical palate is a bit more adventurous, then please investigate either of the other two LP's. 

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