The Futureheads - This is Not The World
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MOGStars 6 out of 10Dropped by 679 Recordings after sophomore effort News and Tributes failed to live up to the success of their homonymous debut, The Futureheads are in many ways rolling the dice with self-released This is Not The World. A successful statement of survival could see the band powered back into the mainstream, a lacklustre effort could send the Sunderland quartet sent the way of the town’s steel mills.It’s clear from the outset that the band seem to think offence is the best defence. Gone are the charming pop songs, harmonies and of course infamous Kate Bush covers – Beginning of the Twist is a frantic burst of post punk, aggressive drum beats, swirling guitars and staccato lyrics. Perhaps intended as a sonic broadside to the label that shunned them, the song has all the chaos of a shed dwelling inventor, however the result seems like Maximo Park with a subtle Mackam/Geordie accent switch. As a single it is no doubt radio friendly, but has little long term attraction.Equally experimental is bizarre love song Radio Heart – an amorous tale between a chat-line caller and a girl with (you guessed it) a radio for a heart. Somewhat aping the Jam, the guitars here are cutting, and the beat certain to secure a spin at every indie night across the country. Yet the song falls down in its construction – the chorus is almost indistinguishable, and words feel shoehorned, rather than slipped into the lyrics. Sad to say, even at less than three minutes long, the song begins drag as the execution fails to live up to the intriguing presence.Equally unimpressive is title-track This is Not the World, a lacklustre attempt of state of the nation style realism. Any seriousness in the lyrics is undermined by the cringeworthy “everybody wears their frown upside down” which confuses the listener – the dour singing style and machine gun power chords allude to misery, whilst this red herring just casts bemusement.Ultimately as a last salvo, this record fails The Futurehead’s defences. Pillaging their way though British musical history the forget to include a sound of their own, and while this jack of all trades approach produces some memorable moments – the snarling punk of Sale of The Century serving as a true highlight – and the record does not fall short of single opportunities. Yet as a whole it is disappointing, few tracks stick their head above the parapet, and those that do serve only as momentary distractions. Squandering the creative freedom having your own label can bring, The Futureheads have missed what could be their last chance to hone their own sound. Although intriguing in parts, This is Not the World fails to carry quality through – the music is often unadventurous, and the lyrics cumbersome. At best this record will sustain The Futureheads’ fanbase enough for a fourth record, however that will be more of a sign of their loyalty than the albums quality.
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