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{ True Madness Magazine }
Music Reviews
Limbeck, Hi, Everything’s Great
Doghouse, 2003
By James Eddy
I was unacquainted with the idea of a “road record” when I was given Limbeck’s newest studio effort. My head is a little fuzzy on the details still, though less so than when I first heard the term. As far as I can figure, the phrase refers to the idea of an album representing progress, travels, and the unexpected aspects of what life throws us. On top of that, it’s comforting to listen to (ironically or maybe not so much) on the road. In other words, a road record is one that talks about progress while you’re moving on to the next step. Or I could just be an idiot who should have my reviewing license removed. At any rate, I approve of Everything’s Great.
The band’s sound is really was grabbed my ear at first; it’s not common for us to get folk-tinged country here at the hallowed halls of the madness. In contrast to everything else we received, these guys sound “old,” something that might be on that other, mix station that your parents like. In other words, your gut reaction might be that Limbeck isn’t about “our generation.” Far from it; though not as totally involving as perhaps Wilco or Old 97’s, Limbeck’s musings bring both those bands to mind, if only for a second. There is a less than perfect sound here that makes the band sound worn and stoic in a way that is more contemplative than haughty, much like the later Johnny Cash albums. Again, Limbeck is not Cash by any stretch of the imagination, but are a welcome departure for anyone who is looking for anything beyond the monotony that present-day indie music seems to be spiraling towards. Limbeck isn’t trying to save anything, they won’t save anything, and they sound damn good while doing it. If you want to music that will secretly move you, Limbeck might be the trick.
It’s almost a cliché now to say that bands have “refreshingly honest lyrics,” thought Limbeck puts a new spin on the idea of what that can mean. While other might contend that it is honest to not pull punches, to lay your heart on the line and “leave it on the field” to quote an old high school football mantra, Limbeck frontman Robb MacLean redefines the whole concept. Every song is filled with personal events and metaphors that hold a certain haunting familiarity. He doesn’t point he blame at anyone, even in the tongue-in-cheek opener, “Honk and Wave.” In a tale about two estranged partners who are dealing with the overall discomfort of post-relationship encounters, MacLean admits unashamed, “I wonder of a way that I could make her feel like an ass without her thinking I’m trying to do that.” The singer/guitarist makes it very clear that he is not a victim. He is merely a person on a journey, sometimes beautiful, sometimes pretty harsh. The album is the perfect example of memories captured in time, forever preserved. Listening to it is like reading a diary that is left lying around, always an enjoyable experience.
RATING: 3.75 out of 5
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