Hoi Polloi
Happy Ever After
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
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.