Hard Fi - Once Upon a Time in the West (Warner)
5/5
By: Andy Willson
It's a rare occurrence for an album to cause so much division before it's even released, but the second album from the Staines massive Hard-Fi has certainly ruffled some feathers. We find ourselves in a time where the HMVs of this world are quaking in their boots (RIP Fopp! You tried!) as for the first time in history, downloads have overtaken CD sales. So if people are going to buy tracks online and load them into iPods & MP3 players, why bother with an album cover? The boys made the brave choice of leaving their album cover blank, with only the words "NO COVER ART" stating the obvious. It's a groundbreaking move, but in the scheme of things, do people really care what the album looks like as a medium any more?
Even more importantly, do the tunes on Hard Fi's sophomore effort make up for a lack of a pretty cover? Too bloody right they do! Hard-Fi have certainly grown up and with this will prove to the world that they're no one trick pony. Lazy critics have accused them in the past of being a Clash tribute band, but like a tin of Quality Street at Christmas there is enough variety on this album to cater for everyone's desires.
The album opens with latest single 'Suburban Knights', an anthem for the neglected and forgotten, those living and breathing in confined environments. The rousing chorus will indeed be sung from every shop and office very soon. 'I Shall Overcome' has a similar theme but moves into a totally different direction musically. There are much softer guitars and the backing strings contribute to a Spanish-like sound.
'Tonight' will completely take your breath away after just one listen, being as it is so far removed from what we experienced on 'Stars Of CCTV' that you'd be forgiven for thinking it was someone other than Hard-Fi. Rather than the sneering style we're accustomed to, Richard's vocals are much more harmonised and the song builds to a rousing crescendo.
'Watch Me Fall Apart' is reminiscent of 'Sealed With A Kiss' by The Everly Brothers (and yes, I did have to look that up) and could easily wind up on a crooners collection album. Just to show some diversity, the sleazy opening bars of 'I Close My Eyes' swagger like a wino with a bottle of White Lightning in hand, echoing back to early Stranglers. The amazing backing vocals complement Rich's spat out lyrics to perfection.
The 'Hard To Beat' style rousing track on this album has to be The Ramones tinged 'I Can't Get Along', tailor made for this summer's festivals. There's a real range of styles and influences to this release, flitting from dub to rock via Motown and ska, dragging your soul kicking and screaming with it. It still retains the rawness of 'Stars...' and was recorded in that same studio (which the band upgraded), but has such diversity that it will open up new listeners to the Hard-Fi sound while retaining those already converted.
The common thread of 'Once Upon A Time In The West' is the brutal honesty of emerging from a grey existence, the pitfalls of modern day life, and the realisation that there is something better out there. Hard Fi have shown that with determination and hard work the shackles can be broken.
Stream 'Suburban Knights' from 'Once Upon A Time In The West' HERE.
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