lambchops's Full Review: The Sun Is Often Out by Longpigs
I can hear the scoffs right now…
”That Lambchops chick is reviewing yet another British band…she must be biased!”
To those detractors, I say I am biased to hearing good music be it American, British, German, Swedish, or Brazilian. I honestly could care less as to the origin as long as it touches me and me think more than just about how much I want to hit skip. The Longpigs accomplished just that with their debut The Sun is Often Out.
A British band formed in Sheffield in 1994, the band proved they had talent with a unique style of kinetic Brit-pop/alt-rock that served them well through their debut. The foursome (Crispin Hunt on vocals, Richard Hawley on guitar, Simon Stafford on bass, and Dee Boyle on drums) was forced to endure very little struggle on their way to a major label deal. In fact, it was the serendipitous death of one major label and the keen business sense of U2’s own Mother label that allowed the Longpigs the chance to create music on a large scale.
As much as the 1996 debut The Sun is Often Out appeals to me, it does have a few minor issues. With a sound that blends the smooth, dark undertones of Radiohead with the emotionally creative and appealing characteristics of Pulp. But in comparing the Longpigs to those two respected artists, it is important to note that the band is able to maintain their individuality with the occasional comparatively minor stumble. The most troublesome problem is that the band isn’t always convincing in their emotional delivery. Something about some of the lesser songs just feels hollow, uninspired, and even possibly lazy. But overall the quality of the rest of the more perfect tracks makes up for the mediocrity of those few.
The Sun is Often Out will come as a pleasant surprise to current fans of Brit-pop. Relatively consistent from beginning to end, the Longpigs debut would have been hard pressed to be much better. What sets them apart particularly is that Hunt has a gritty, evocative, almost “punk” voice. And when set to the thick, droning bass from Stafford and the shimmering guitar and drums the overall result is rich, thoughtful, and wonderful. Each of the twelve songs has something to offer. But there are some standouts like Sally Dances, She Said, Far, and On and On. But with that said, The Sun is Often Out can easily be digested in one sitting without once even pondering the idea of hitting that proverbial skip button.
The Sun is Often Out launches with Lost Myself. While not the most memorable of the album, it does function nicely as a warm-up to the amazing, memorable songs that follow. While it lacks the fervor, emotion, and creativity of some other songs Lost Myself is still a fair enough entry. It is impossible not to fall in lust with the mellow, off-kilter, rock sentimentality of Hunt’s vocals and the overall picture even of this track. But keep in mind that from here, the album gets progressively better…believe it or not!
She Said is one of the best songs here. Beginning slowly with just light guitars, the song picks up as keyboards, drums, and the like are added to the mix. It is complete only when Hunt throws in his voice and lyrics. The fast, angry pace of She Said works wonderfully, and it is songs like this that will undoubtedly appeal to rock and pop fans alike. Summery, upbeat, loud, and fun this is a must listen.
Working on many of the same levels, Far is also a flawless song. Though this time around it is less appealing to individuals not accustomed to hearing more experimental music. In many ways, Far reminds me of James…especially during their less electronic era(s). Hunt turns slightly punk with a nasally, loud, at times forced delivery. However you slice it, the Longpigs have “it” whatever “it” is.
Slowing things down, On and On is the most successful single from this striking album for good reason. Acoustic, mellow, light, and emotional the Longpigs are utterly timeless here. Genres are of no concern, lines are meant to be crossed. On and On touches the heart, cushions the soul. If any one song were to prove that this band and this album are special, look no further. Hunt’s vocals are softly joyous, evocative, loving while Hawley’s acoustic guitar is carefully strummed and a perfect compliment. This song is exactly what making music is about. And then there are Hunt’s words:
There's no one else I want beside you
Give me your coldest shoulder to cry upon
You're never anywhere I find you
You're never anything I rely upon
Both Happy Again and All Hype are great tracks but overshadowed of course by those songs already mentioned and by one of my favorites Sally Dances. A cross between James and Suede, the song resonates nicely and shimmers energetically. Hunt’s voice is perfect; the accompanying instruments are fitting to the upbeat, stark nature of the arrangement. This is the Longpigs at their most stripped down, and any band able to capture such energy and kinetics on tape gets my vote of confidence.
Jesus Christ has a brilliant bass guitar, but it lacks the necessary glue to hold my attention. On the other hand, Dozen Wicked Words returns to light feel of On and On except this time around the band is plugged in. It works nearly as well, though I find my attention wandering from the mid-tempo alt-rocker. Sounding like something out of a bastard lounge act, Elvis is a pleasant surprise. The high-speed delivery, ridiculously fast beat, and fantastic fun of the track work nicely. Though it doesn’t rank among the best of The Sun Often Shines if for no other reason than it is slightly schizophrenic.
Wrapping up, Over Our Bodies and Sleep are both worth sticking out the journey. The former is an off-kilter, mellow crooner not at all different from what you would expect from Radiohead. Though in a lot of ways I like the rougher, less produced feel of the Longpigs over that other band. Sleep hides quietly at the end of this overall impressive outing and requires (obviously on purpose) listeners to turn up the volume on their stereo. Even more similar in style to Radiohead, the song is a melodic, supple, delicate end. Hunt emotes lightly just over the top of a magical-sounding guitar. It works well…very, very well.
The Longpigs have made just one subsequent album. While The Sun is Often Out is an undeniable, though slightly flawed, gem, 1999’s Mobile Home is slightly less accessible. Though, after many listens buyers will find that many of the same elements are present on the follow up, it is also clear that the band was testing (too many) new soundscapes and in doing so lost focus. The Sun is Often Out is a special find, one required of any collection claiming to include great Brit-pop or even indie/alt-rock.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Lost Myself | 02. She Said | 03. Far | 04. On and On | 05. Happy Again | 06. All Hype | 07. Sally Dances | 08. Jesus Christ | 09. Dozen Wicked Words | 10. Elvis | 11. Over Our Bodies | 12. Sleep
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