Labels: Bombed Out Records
Review by: james pacanowski
Everything Takes Forever is the second album from this Bridgend trio. Most likely you’ve heard the comparisons to The Replacements but this bears more resemblance to fellow Minnesotans Soul Asylum (Hang Time-era, not that Columbia Records guff). It deals in big, shiny alt-rock tunes of the kind that used to be peddled by bands like Gin Blossoms and other forgotten one-hit wonders of the time like Candlebox, Verve Pipe, etc. The sort of thing that you imagine would end up on the soundtrack to a Kevin Smith movie.
Unfortunately, the inlay doesn’t say who wrote the majority of the lyrics (it simply says all songs written by Peachfuzz) so I’m not entirely sure who to compliment for their ability to pen neat lines like “TV’s a blizzard, channels tripping off the air”. Also, because this is supposedly a concept album (kind of like an album long version of those teen-conscientious 90s tunes like ‘Runaway Train’ “” yes, I am aware that I already said they bear no real resemblance to the corny Soul Asylum years but just humour me) there are some neat repetitions in the lyrics across different songs which I enjoy listening out for. So whoever is responsible for that, kudos.
I like this album. Your tolerance for polished rock tunes might be tested a little, but if you’ve ever enjoyed the odd Hold Steady song or two and you’re in the mood for a smartly written, easily engaging alt-rock album then you can’t go wrong. Thumbs up.