This band has undergone an attitude adjustment. These transplanted Kiwi's sound like they're not trying to please the Christian A/C radio people anymore. They sound like they don't mind scaring people away with their loud music. Maybe it's the on-edge lyrics they're writing. Vocalist Jenny Gullen throws barbs out there, like "You wear rejection like a wreath around your neck..." The emotions hit full-tilt in "Falling Down," where the ugly subject of child abuse gets a dramatic rendering:
"Hush, little girl, for your night has come / Don't dare breathe when the light goes out / He holds her lips until he stifles her cry / And she's sinking / And he's whispering, 'I love you,' in a cold respite / As daddy's little darling is praying to die."
Whoa! This haunting song is full of raw, dark passion. But don't think the whole album is a downer. I'm reminded of another edgy female-fronted release that just hit (Fleming & John), as this beautiful and clean voice flies atop some gritty and atmospheric guitars. Love those guitars! They chime and ring in your head in the opening cut, while they hum and rattle in other tunes. Then there's the cool 'n' low throbbing bass and tight drumming. Hoi Polloi is still very accessible, but what a difference distortion and attitude make! Sometimes the groove is real simple and modern rock sounding, but there's energy in almost every tune.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse June 1995Reviewed by Roger AppelinskiSome bands shine more brightly when offered creative freedom--many do not. Hoi Polloi is thankfully one of the former, which has made them Happy Ever After--or at least happy until they have to record another album--who knows. Most noticeably, producer Steve Hindalong has helped Hoi heavily stack the guitars. Where the bass was more prevalent in earlier efforts and the strength relied mainly on…Salt #26Reviewed by GargantuanThis is the first time I've heard Hoi Polloi and this kicks butt! However I'm sure this doesn't sound like old Hoi Polloi. This is well worth spending money to purchase. 11 songs of infectious alterna-pop music with a hard edge on some of the tunes. "Tip-Toe" is simply a killer tune and well worth having the rest of the disc over, but it gets better, the rest of the songs are just as cool, plus…Similar sounding releases
1995The Presidents of the United States of AmericaThe Presidents of the United States of America
2004NirvanaWith the Lights Out
2003The Prayer ChainHere Comes the Rust
2005Sleater-KinneyThe Woods
1998Local HPack Up the Cats
2004The Icarus LinePenance Soiree
