I have always enjoyed garage rock. The gritty imperfections, the fun, loud riffs, and the overall atmosphere created by a band whose main focus is pure music. So when asked to review Ashes of Bridges, the newest release from The Hit & Mrs, I had high hopes, knowing that their previous release Buried in the Backyard of My Heart completely embodied all that is garage rock.
I soon realized to let go of my expectations, however, discovering, not even thirty seconds into the first song, “Cold, Cold Days” which begins with simple acoustic guitar and harmonica, that this was going to consist of music portraying a much different side to the band.
For a three-piece band I was pleasantly surprised to hear the different facets that make up this bands music. Instead of the usual guitar-bass-drums combination seen in most bands that brand themselves garage rock, most of the album's songs stray away from this formula, such as the keyboard-heavy title track and the banjo laden “Time is Running Out” (which I might add is not a Muse cover, if that is what you were thinking).
My favorite track of the release is the true-to-the-genre “Let's Let it Ride!” An obvious return to the band's style from previous releases, it is easily the most high energy and attention-grabbing track of the album. With its very suitable “Modey Lemon meets Wolfmother” sound, it had me disappointed when I found that it wasn't even three minutes long.
It would seem, in fact, that the best songs tend to be the shortest on this album. “Sultry Lips”, the shortest of the album characterized by it's very White Stripes-y riff throughout, is easily the most catchy. “My Poor GrammEr”, the last song under three minutes, features, well, less than fitting vocals, but also playfully displays the bands tendency to not take themselves too seriously. The folk-punk characteristic that dominates the majority of the song leads into a fast paced punk-style closing, making “My Poor GrammEr“ a very fun track to listen to.
To be honest, I wasn't entirely blown away by Ashes of Bridges. A fun listen, when the occasion calls for it, sure, but there really isn't anything new or exciting to point out. That's not to say I didn't enjoy listening to Ashes of Bridges, but I found much of the album all too familiar. The Hit & Mrs. prides themselves on having many influences, which is important and even integral to make a successful band. But I found that there were points on Ashes of Bridges where the music came off as imitating, instead of blending influences to create something new. The mixing was somewhat on the thin side, unfocused even, in portions containing electric guitar and drums. The vocals seem forced in places, and are much better suited for louder, more rock-oriented tracks. Overall, Ashes of Bridges had its share of hits and, well, misses. Pun intended.
Sara Cooper – MuzikReviews.com Contributor
10/10/09
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