2010 Love and Theft
Rating: 2.5 / 5
The Bowers – formerly known as The Bowerbirds – have some Australian rock pedigree to them, incorporating members from Spencer P. Jones’ Escape Committee, Mission Control, Houlette and Rocket Science, their debut album under a new moniker doesn’t come without some expectations.
Prior to the release, the Melbourne four-piece put out two tracks as 7” singles: 'Angel Of Sorrow' is, from the opening finger clicks, a slice of 1960s pop rock. The band’s lithe guitars and a fast-flowing rhythm section propel lead singer Phil Gionfriddo’s lyrics along nicely.
The other 7 inch single 'Ivy Climbing' is a more contemporary melodic rock song; meaty guitar hooks and an infectious chorus that is all too easy to sing along to. The harmonies give the vocals a bit of extra depth, but like the other single release, and indeed much of the album, it feels somewhat restrained.
Whether it was a conscious decision, or simply a product of the recording process, the album sounds subdued. The instrumentation is tight and the sound quality itself is beyond reproach, but one is left with the feeling that the band just didn’t empty the tank on this one.
As a result, moments like the closing of 'Caught Your Smile' – which repeats the song title – are left feeling bogged down and truly repetitive, falling short of the potential hinted at by the tune’s hazy guitars and slightly saucy lyrics. Meanwhile, slower tracks, like ballad '(I’m) Killing Time' and 'Nothing To Say', feel just that: Slow.
'Town', the first single officially released makes more of the band’s rock sensibility. The opening is reminiscent of the Foo Fighters caught in one of their gentler moments while the bridge section and closing bars hint at the energy the band possess. Once again though, whilst the guitars and drums are given the opportunity to blow up a little, the explosion is more of a controlled demolition than a rock and roll carpet bombing.
Title track 'Her Night' follows on with punchier-than-usual syncopated drum and guitar stings, but there isn’t enough to lift it beyond the fairly run-of-the-mill melodic rock rut that the album finds itself in.
There are all the elements of a good album here, just like a rehearsal has all the elements of a great live show. All that’s missing is the extra adrenaline of a band out to impress, rather than a group just going through the motions.
by Nils Hay
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