The Futureheads - News and Tributes

Almost two years have passed since The Futureheads staked their claim as one of Britain's most thrilling young bands; in that time, the four lads have deserted the famed Sire Records in favor of the post-emo lovin'-gone-indie Vagrant Records, holed up on a farm for six weeks to record this album, and (as far as I'm concerned) have fared significantly better than their counterparts (Bloc Party, The Rakes, Maximo Park, and the rest of that fun but worn-out ilk). For News and Tributes, the band opted to take on producer Ben Hillier (Doves, Blur, etc.) as opposed to the debut's knob-turning, Gang of Four-riffing Andy Gill. And, coincidentally, the sophomore record will shirk most of the comparisons The Futureheads garnered before--The Jam, XTC, Buzzcocks, Gang of Four, and so on. No more revivalism for these kids; no, they've come entirely into their own, and though the pep is lightly scattered about, the substance is bubbling all over. "Yes/No" functions as the intro to News and Tributes; it's a weak one. I prematurely thought the record would be a letdown upon hearing the track--it builds up to a brief, sputtering climax and fades into angular riffing without soaring to any of the harmonic heights or sticky hooks I expected. But then, "Cope" showcases a Rocket From the Crypt-esque riff, a barrage of percussion and robotic vocal interjections that harks back to The Futureheads of 2004. On Track 3, "Fallout," vocalist Barry Hyde pines over his exhaustion with the world, mingling his woes with punchy guitars. The vocal interplay and structure makes the song come across as an old one with a lackadaisical twist; it's subdued instead of hasty. "Skip to the End" is an obvious single (and it is the single), and it's pretty much classic Futureheads--overtly Northern British harmonies, catchy, clean guitars, an unforgettable chorus. Having relegated their brashness to their previous selves or to the abundance of copy-cats coming through the woodwork in favor of musical breadth, The Futureheads haven't succumbed to the sophomore slump. True, if you found their energy to be their most charming asset you may be disappointed. On the other hand, it's easier to jump around than to pave a stable career in the music industry, and these Englanders seem poised to venture down that path. Will it be held in the same regard in ten years as the debut? I don't think so; it doesn't have the same immediacy or charming characterstics, and it sure as hell isn't as catchy. But, it has its moments, more than a few of them, and is head and shoulders above its peers. [www.thefutureheads.com]