Shout Out Louds – Work
I have been hesitant to review this album, since as far as I know you guys didn’t like the other two Shout Out Louds albums. But I had been waiting for this new LP for a long time and I’ve recently started listening to it a lot again. So I’m going to review it. It’s not like we listen to each other anyway.
Released way back in late February 2010, Work is another fine example of the Shout Out Louds doing what they do best. Which I guess is sound like the Cure. Or Bright Eyes. Or Phoenix. Or America. I don’t know if it’s because they’re Swedish or because they’re really good, but when I listen to the Shout Out Louds, I don’t just hear their influences. I hear catchy songs that I enjoy listening to.
Lyrically, the band is keeping it still somewhat dark, like in Our Ill Wills. It seems like all the songs are about suicide, mistakes and rejection. But beyond the lyrics, the music is simple and catchy. This is the definition of an album that gets stuck in my head. I’d say this is probably the band’s most consistent album.
My biggest complaint with Work is that it doesn’t feel as structured as Our Ill Wills did. That album had an incredible opening and built to a spectacular climax, while this is more of a collection of great songs. It’s a little bit Howl Howl Gaff Gaff, a little Our Ill Wills and a little something new. If that sounds good to you, I really recommend checking this out.
Favorite Tracks: “Fall Hard,” “The Candle Burned Out,” “Show Me Something New”