Sparkly

Like the resurrection of R.E.M. with the rockin' "Accelerate" earlier this year, Supergrass have re-cranked their guitars up for their new album "Diamond Hoo Ha," which landed in the U.S. yesterday. This, after Supergrass' 2005 album "Road to Rouen" was a quieter and darker affair than their previous albums. But Supergrass has been around for around 13 years now and this new album recalls more of the fun whimsy present in those first few records than anything else.

"Snarky" is the word I might use to describe "Diamond Hoo Ha," which is filled with that sly British humo(u)r many of us (including myself) find so charming. And that's probably the nicest thing I can say about the album, but that's not to suggest it's bad. In fact, the whole thing is very entertaining and engaging to listen to. The songs are also pretty catchy as well, so I've got no complaints in that department. It also is very much a Supergrass record, which is great if you're a fan of the band's past albums.

The tragedy, if you can call it that, is the band doesn't break any new ground here. "Diamond Hoo Ha" feels almost like a retread, albeit with different lyrics and melodies. There are no surprises, just a lot of familiarity. In other words, the band is playing it safe when after so many years together and so many albums they shouldn't have to do anymore. They reserve the right to experiment as much as they want to, similar to what they did on 2005's "Road to Rouen," which could've been better had it been more upbeat. And as fun as "Diamond Hoo Ha" is, the last few tracks on the album lose the steam and wit of the gloriously loaded first 3/4ths of the album.

Wrapping this up in a neat little bow, "Diamond Hoo Ha" can be considered in good indie rock company to some of the newer bands on the scene such as The Kooks and Arctic Monkeys, both of which were probably directly influenced by Supergrass yet are better known today than Supergrass. That's sad if you ask me, but my hope is that this new album will bring Supergrass back into collective conscience once again. Thom Yorke knows exactly what I'm talking about, and I imagine he's as much behind the idea as I am. Take this sample from the album. I hope you enjoy it enough to pick up the full length, because it's one of the poppiest, catchiest and most fun(ny) records I've lent my ear to this year. Mind you, it's not "amazingly good" or "groundbreaking," but for the summertime when you just don't care about putting on music that's mentally stimulating, or happen to be throwing a BBQ and need something as background music, "Diamond Hoo Ha" is a crowd pleaser.

Supergrass- Bad Blood

Buy "Diamond Hoo Ha" from Amazon

Watch the trailer for the upcoming Supergrass-starring Rockumentary/Mockumentary titled "Glange Fever"

Labels: supergrass