Review Summary: The Smith Street Band has made it clear they don’t want the world, but the world is slowly finding them.
It’s no secret that I look forward to every new album from The Smith Street Band, like children look forward to Christmas. This statement could seem extremely fan-boyish but it’s backed up by solid reasoning; The Smith Street Band are something very special. After announcing the release of their third studio album Throw Me In The River, I quickly pre-ordered a copy from the legendary Poison City Records and waited in anticipation. A few things are instantly noticeable about Throw Me In The River and other things take some time to sink in. The most glaringly obvious thing is that this is a break up album, which isn’t a bad thing. The other noticeable thing is that Wil Wagner and Co have matured musically a great deal, become worldlier and the production on this album is far beyond anything else in their catalogue.
Throw Me In The River begins with the intro of sorts titled ‘Something I Can Hold In My Hands’ which is the second shortest song on the record, but leaves a lasting impression. At first I thought the song seemed out of place, but once you listen to the album as a whole it makes perfect sense. In typical Smith Street style the song builds into a huge crescendo and front man Wil Wagner’s sincere wailing over the frantic instruments pack quite a punch. ‘Surrender’ rolls around next and was debuted on Triple J some months ago and since has been actively receiving airtime. ‘Surrender’ rambles along in the bands traditional upbeat party punk sound and will no doubt instantly become a regular cut in the bands live performances. With sing-along lyrics, cheerful guitar and a driving drum beat, the song pleases on all levels. The next few songs slow down the pace slightly, but still remain top notch quality. A particular highlight was from the bridge in ‘Surrey Dive’ when Wagner screams “So why don’t you *** off?” showcases how the band can seemingly write something simple, yet memorable, which would also translate perfectly to the live stage.
The second half of the album is perhaps the most interesting, with every song on the record playing its part, allowing no time for filler. ‘The Arrogance Of The Drunken Pedestrian’ crafts a slow poignant moment for the album, which is delivered by Wagner’s incredible earnest lyrical display. The song shows the band at their best, by being able to pace out another song that ends in a loud, angry ending after an ambient opening. I don’t think anyone could sound more open and vulnerable whilst singing into the microphone. Despite the plethora of solid tracks on the latter half of the album, it’s perhaps the title track that has the most to say. ‘Throw Me In The River’ is the accumulation of all the feelings experienced from a break up and is executed perfectly. The song begins with slow almost angelic guitar plucks as Wagner begins his story, with his voice the only thing filling in the space. The chorus quickly springs up out of nowhere, with all the instruments crashing in like an unwanted guest. The lyrics “throw me in the ***ing river, I’ll feel something if I drown” is undeniably moving and is backed up by a second verse that utilises some strings for added depth. The album ends on a prolonged positive note, with the track ‘I Love Life’ which wraps up the album nicely by recycling some lyrics from the opener.
At the end of the day, in a world where ‘no one buys albums anymore’ The Smith Street Band seems to be doing something right. Their lovingly crafted live performances consistently connects with fans and makes them feel like they’re a part of a massive family, which keeps them coming back. Cheap tickets, solid merchandise and this feeling of belonging is what keeps the fan base excited and slowly expanding. My fifth Smith Street gig is approaching in a few weeks and it won’t be my last, because the feeling of being at one of their live performances is genuinely indescribable. As for Throw Me In The River, the album proves that the lads from The Smith Street Band have an uncanny ability to somehow twist a negative into a positive and the record shines through even in its darkest places. The Smith Street Band has made it clear they don’t want the world, but the world is slowly finding them.
