Weezer - 'Maladroit' (Geffen)
4/5
By: Eve Conquest
Perhaps Rivers' return to college taught him the value of productivity; after all, this would help to explain the band's recent kick-start and return to action, what with the release of both 'The Green Album' and 'Maladroit' within just twelve months of each other following a five year 'pause'. Or, maybe, he just needed to repay his student-loan. Whatever, 'Maladroit' is typically soul-destroying, tear-jerking, yet - paradoxically - life-affirming Weezer.
Incidentally, there has been a distinct lack of hype surrounding the release of 'Maladroit'. A significant percentage of hardcore fans appeared to lose faith in Weezer after the breezy and comparatively unemotional 'Green Album', hoping for a closer follow-up to Weezer's second LP, 'Pinkerton', with more discordance and despair. Ironically, 'Maladroit' carries with it the same bitter acidic taste as 'Pinkerton', but in a far more easy-to-digest form - despite still coming across as mean, resentful and characteristically moody.
The work itself was recorded during a three-month spate of creativity, yet it doesn't carry any particular feeling of urgency or move in any one direction. Clearly diverse, the band's latest offering draws from all areas of their back catalogue, though it's a particular surprise 'Dope Nose' features as the first single to be released from the full-length effort, seeing as it certainly isn't the catchiest or most memorable track on-show - although it is at least one of the most optimistic.
You see, elsewhere, Rivers' voice develops a newfound poignancy, becoming hauntingly sincere and touching on a number such as 'Death and Destruction', acting as a perplexing parallel to 'Burnt Jamb's 'do-do-do's and 'ooohhh's, which are unmistakeably Beach Boys-esque (further emphasised by the honeyed lead vocals). Indeed, when Cuomo utters, 'Make me happy for one moment,' the thought running through many minds would be, 'Goodness, if only we could,' in a rather parental-instinct.
What such a mixed bag all boils down to? Another classic Weezer album, obviously - equally inspired by sexual-inadequacy, unfulfilled dreams and bitterness, albeit backed with outstanding melodies. But, please, just don't mention to Rivers that teen-angst ends when you hit twenty (or at least when you grow a respectable beard), otherwise the good times may stop from here on in - and that would be a saddening fate.
Artists in this article: Weezer
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