Review: Los Campesinos! – Hello Sadness
Gareth has and probably never will be a ‘good singer’, but he beautifully marries the over dramatic almost Morrissey-esque performances with the playfully twee way of building the songs up. This album feels like a twee attempt at stadium rock. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry, it’s still more Tiger Trap and Beat Happening than Kings of Leon, but the brass arrangements and the overall sound would be amazing at a big festival.
“Songs About Your Girlfriend” is personally my favourite song on the whole album. Gareth’s tales of jealously is something every self-deprecating, insecure teen can relate to; “I never made her smile like that and she never made me smile right back”… Heavy stuff man! The whole albums great and as always with Los camp’ is takes a few listens to fully get used to it.
Title track “Hello Sadness” almost goes back to their catchy first album roots, but still has that obvious, depressing mood stitched into the song: ”This dripping from my heart is never running dry”.
Overall this album fantastic, it won’t be a generational rock anthem people will look back to and say how good it was. It is though, a life affirming, bittersweet record that in the right mood, will have you crying over your bar of chocolate and Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream. -Graham Corking
Tracks
1. By Your Hand
2.Songs About Your Girlfriend
3.Hello Sadness
4.Life Is A Long Time
5.Every Defeat A Divorce (Three Lions)
6.Hate For The Island
7.The Black Bird, The Dark Slope
8.To Tundra
9.Baby I Got The Death Rattle
10.Light Leaves, Dark Sees pt. II
Los Campesinos’! new album is set to release this coming Tuesday, November 15th, on the Arts & Crafts record-label. Hurry along and get your hands on it!
