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Repackaged indie mellow kings, The Research return with an amended line-up, a
new label and a new album, The Old Terminal, but what
’s THE story?
Well their “politics” with record labels has produced some good- the inspiration behind one fairly
catchy track,
‘Lost Souls in the Vapours’. As singer Russell ‘The Disaster’ Searle sings:
“You wonder where the money goes/see this guy, he’s for sale/is he stable/blame it on the record label.”
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Released: October 2008
Label: This is Fake DIY
2nd studio album
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If we’re talking catchy singles, ‘Rockin’ the Boat with my Friends’ sounds like The Las in their heyday, Featuring a very ear-pleasing rhythm-based
beat and acute vocals- it
’s as radio-friendly as you will find on this record. ‘I Think I Know What Happens When You Die’ brings in bassist and co-singer, Georgia Lashbrook for some relaxing
harmonizing which is the band at its strongest. Whilst sounding melodramatic,
it
’s also quite understatedly reflective in lyrical composition- keeping true to
the formula of laid-back beats and heart-on-the-sleeve vocals.
‘I Think She’s the One I Love’ is a particular stand-out effort, complete with backing harmony, a retro style
and truly moving lyrics- though the dramatic recharge of the synthesizer tends
to undermine the mood of the words. That said, it doesn
’t ruin the track as it might have done and still connects as a memorable
offering.
‘Treasure Every Measure’s bass line and drum beat could easily be mistaken for The Strokes, ala ‘Take It or Leave It’ before taking the expected route. Still we are treated to some passionate
delivery for the first time, as opposed to the chilled style the album
’s previous four tracks provided and the variation is definitely a positive step
in a decent tune.
Vocal comparisons on ‘The Disaster’ would lead you to the likes of Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch and this is no more apparent than on ‘Librarian Girl’, though heavily vocal-driven, it won’t go on the ‘Greatest Hits’. The album takes an unexpected interlude almost on ‘All My Love’ (after the engaging ‘Rockin’ the Boat’) and although it’s a change of direction it’s a very bizarre inclusion to this collection.
‘Anytime, Babe’ speculating dreams and aspirations is funky and features The Research’s trademark catchy choruses with not as catchy verses. In terms of an album it’s fairly consistent with the odd aforementioned blip. Fans of chilled-out indie
music will certainly be jumping for joy as this is a thirteen song triumph for
the genre but it
’s standing out in an already crowded scene which casts doubts. Still the result
is an all-in-all very listenable album with some decent songs, but nothing to
make the musical earth move.
6/10 CM
(c) ChrisOnline.biz 2008
