The sophomore release from Huddle is a lot like their first album, Basement Carnival. Thematically, this is not a bad thing. The songwriting from the Rossi brothers is still strong, and still casts a wistful, yet hopeful eye at life and the people they encounter. Musically, however, the songs blend together, and fail to distinguish themselves from each other very well -- it's hard to tell if the loss of guitarist Nick Dean has anything to do with this.
There is nothing here as adventurous (or amusing) as the first release's "Kazoo Song" or as poignant as "Why Not Me?" "Make Me Sick", however, packs a punch of bitterness, possibly over a failed relationship:
Lay me down/Watch me bleed
You only give for what you need
You beat me down with stones and sticks
You run me through, you make me sick...
"She Said", "Everything About You", and "For Her", on the other hand, portray a man who is experiencing great joy in his love life. The last in particular romanticizes the woman in question:
"And somehow I get through my mess and now I must confess That I'm stricken dumb as I behold, that God broke the mold."
"Miss Jean" and "Sky High" are the other side of the coin, showing the uncertainty of human nature, and the pitfalls of pride.
Lush would probably have gotten a better reception from me, had I not been so enthralled with Basement Carnival. The band is currently involved in their third project, the first with an outside producer. Hopefully that direction will push them into new territory, as Lush travels the same ground as its predecessor.
3.5 tocks
