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HoodOutside Closer Domino/Sensory Projects/Inertia From its ethereal and quite menacing introduction, English quartet Hood deliver challenging, brooding music by the bucketload on their sixth studio album, 'Outside Closer'. Maybe I'm ignorant, but I'd never heard of these guys before this album. However, I'm definitely interested in exploring the ten or so years I have so shamelessly neglected. First single The Negatives is a very curious slice of experimentation, the amalgamation of pop tunes coming through an absurd assortment of electronic and acoustic instruments, with vocalist Chris Adams practically whispering his message to an increasingly cacophonic backdrop. Any Hopeful Thoughts Arrive continues the trend, featuring a lively contrast between its hip-hop beat and its tranquil string interludes. Less accessible are tracks like End Of One Train Working and Winter 72, the unfortunate detours often found in more experimental records. When you get to the incomparably infectious rhythm of The Lost You, you'll find it hard to sit still, believe me. It's a pity that the whole album couldn't follow more of that trend - but still, there's plenty on here to satisfy. Hood sound a lot like Australian labelmates The Rectifiers, and I think the latter's 'Wear The Weight Of The Resting Sky' is possibly a more impressive collection. Then, of course, you could go straight to the source and listen back to Elbow's astonishing debut, 'Asleep In The Back'. But in the meantime, 'Outside Closer' is a notable work on the whole, with a couple of absolutely amazing tracks worthy of your attention.  |
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