Album Review

Bob Mould – Disrtrict Line

• 25th Feb 2008

Sounding like a John Cale or an E(Eels) fronted Feeder throughout, Bob Moulds ‘District Line’ LP gets off to a strong start with epic and diverse dynamics that bleed into and uphold a guitar strengthened, more direct track 2. By Scorpio Rising (Death in Vegas/Liam Gallagher) echoing track 3, the guitar has relaxed and the graciously paced vocals are open and more accessible. Track 4 brings Bobs more emotional side out and perhaps here more than ever, he echoes Feeder. Approaching the halfway mark and I’m starting to fear that this LP, as great sounding as it is, might surprisingly lack imagination, with only our ex Sugar & Husker Du -de to take the blame. Eek!

Relentless track 5 ploughs on ahead, spewing out some notably strong guitar that shines amidst the accompaniment. Track 6 offers up some respite with its stripped down construct and dominant vocal… before the same trusted but by now somewhat tiresome formula kicks in all around. The execution, song writing and production values are all top notch and would easily match any chart friendly single in the catchiness stakes, its just so unwavering that the LP so far sounds like 1 long song.

Ooh… diversity, disco percussion and tempo, restrained vocals… hurrah! Ladies, gentlemen, we (hopefully) have lift off! Track 8 is sharper and carries the somewhat annoying vocal effects well. Its all very nice indeed, even though it doesn’t go anywhere with its new found half glory before it fizzles out and takes us straight back down to our disappointingly humdrum sounding earth. This isn’t what we expected, is it? 2 more redemptory tracks to go then, so hold tight.

Penultimate track 9 and its sublime guitar and organ work could be the LP highlight, but wait what’s this? A ‘Losing my Religion’ resounding LP closer that assures me the best is about to escalate into undeniable excellence has just encroached on my ear space. Resisting the urge to kick in with more crashing drums and maniacal guitar, the track ambles through to its end with a patiently paced delivery and an entirely new dimension that could’ve provided some much welcomed balance in numerous spots of monotony throughout. Just too little too late Bob, sorry! All the ingredients are there, they’re just all out of sync’ and proportion.