I’m as guilty as the next reviewer of referring to albums as ‘explosive’ and yes, perhaps it is hyperbole sometimes, lethargy other times and sheer excitement on others still. ‘Humility the Hard way’ by Kentucky band The Straight A’s is explosive. Not hyp on my part, but fact. I’m not talking literally, of course, but hell, ‘Yes I’m Calling You A Liar’ kicks off the album with a lurching bassline that’s dense and is propelled by powerhouse percussion and is finished with raucous shouted vocals. It’s chaotic, but also direct and to the point. The title track fixes a sinewy Gang of Four guitar to a rumbling bass and explosive (there, I said it again!) drum track.
This isn’t a quiet album – in fact, it’s downright noisy and often lurches and leaps from one place to another in the tap of a toe. Gloriously unpredictable and wild like Truman’s Water were wild, it’s the ultra-meaty bass grumble that holds it all together and keeps things pinned down.
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Drums and bass ricochet off spasmodic guitars, there are enough stop/star lurches to induce whiplash, sufficient changes of tempo and direction to leave even the most hardened sonic sailor seasick. It’s a glorious ramshackle racket, but not without hooks or choruses, providing just enough inroads into their angular world.
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