Review Summary: Now that you know how Scott Lucas handles a break-up yours don't seem that bad.
Ending a relationship can be uniquely difficult. How many emotions do you go through? Anger, bitterness, and confusion are a few and that's just while being sober. For most of us though after a couple weeks we tend to move on and/or maybe start looking for the next person who will eventually damage our psyche. There are people though who simply cannot move on. Those who were so connected that to break that connection leads to perpetual adolescence and constant angst. It's hard not to think that Scott Lucas, who basically is Local H, is that kind of person.
Every Local H record is a little bit of a surprise. First that they are even still around, and secondly that they keep getting better and better. The theme for this record you can probably guess by the title. is coming to terms over a years time with the death of a relationship. Scott does not let things go easily but through his pain he really channels inspiration to write a consistently incredible group of songs.
The record has a good mix of featuring how one might feel over the coarse of a year. The music oscillates nicely between moments of honest self reflection on a few tracks to scorn and contempt on most of the rest. On tracks like summer of boats, simple pleas, and especially the first part of January the lyric writing is some of the most emotionally open and tender poetry you could want to hear. These songs definitely build up sympathy for the narrator while most of the other tracks serve as excellent reminders that no sympathy is necessary when you can rock this hard. Special mention should be given to how fun it is to scream along to tracks like white belt boys, michelle, and 24 hour break up session.
The production is surprisingly good for a band who has been hampered regularly by that in the past. Another impressive part of this music is the instrumentation. In a two man band each instrument must really stand out, and Scott and Brian play to perfection. Also multiple guitar tracks are used on most of these songs to up the sound and even a keyboard is added on track 10 which may be a first for the these guys.
A few negatives I could list are the cd has a couple of weaker tracks towards the end that don't really add much even if they have humorous lyrics. And other times the lyrics feel kind of harsh until you remember who they're directed at.
Overall this is an incredibly under appreciated album from a band that has not only persevered but thrived creatively.
SIDE NOTE: See them live if you ever get the chance.
