After 3 long years waiting for a sucessor to the undoubtedly outstanding 'Something to Write Home About', The Get Up Kids have returned with 'On a Wire'. Whilst we weren't expecting merely a sequel to the original record, what we finally received was something completely different. And, to sound like an afraid-of-change wiener, to be honest, i'm not sure I like it. It's disappointing, as despite the flak they seem to draw from those who don't appreciate musical genius, 'The Get Up Kids' produce some of the most intelligently emotional music available. However, something was lost in the transition to the new record; and if you'll allow me to explain, i'll do just that.
Starting relaxed and somewhat reflective, 'Overdue' is obviously in complete contrast with the whirling guitars of 'Holiday'; but nevertheless, taking on a distinctly soft rock persona; it is a neat and proper little tune, which has been splashed with some Get Up Kids magic, making it intimately personal; primarily accoustic, the opener is different yet welcoming, and retains a kind of trailing off into the blue sound, which is warming. Next up, 'Stay Gone' begins optimistically, with a softly distorted guitar remaining disappointingly blended into the background, with seemingly passion-less drumming. The vocals unsurprisingly remain utterly superb, and lyrical content is satisfactoy - 'I don't regret what words were said, deserve respect you never had'; but there's definitely something missing...
Onto 'Let The Reigns Go Loose', begins in a classic rock style of the 80s and suddenly you realise the Get Up Kids really have changed their sound drastically - listenable? Yes, but once again the defining factor which sets the Kids apart from the crowd seems to be slipping from their fingers as time goes on... the interesting close for the song providing it with some token value - but where is the passion, the intensity of the last album? The voice which provided a sincerity only very few bands retain? It seems to have been curbed for 'On a Wire', not unleashed like before.
'Fall from Grace' is definitely one of the highlights, with an unforgiving tone and a good chorus, it is one of the defining points of the album; 'Grunge Pig' seems to annoy me intensely, despite the unusual time signature, and I find it virtually unlistenable; the same goes for the far too chirpy 'High As The Moon' - reminding me more than a little of Beatles' work, as with much of the album; 'All That I Know' rings similar bells, but as to what at the moment i'm not even sure (no doubt i'll be bugged for days by it.)
I just can't adapt to the likes of 'Walking On a Wire', which seems to grate, but 'Wish You Were Here', although adopting a 'big me' (The Foo Fighters for those of you uneducated by their mastery) stance during the opening is once again a soft foray into nostalgia city. But it isn't enough to stir you deeply, and just flows on by without a thought. 'Campfire Kansas' is for want of a better word 'ace', with the distorted voice providing for once a welcome change; not only that, but another voice entirely - this is the stuff The Get Up Kids are made of - 'we laughed away the sunburn', all the materials needed for a song which will no doubt invoke memories of holidays past.
'The Worst Idea' and 'Hannah Hold On' do little to inspire you in the ways these others have however. To tell you the truth, I was extremely disappointed with this album, as I've played the former 'STWHA' so many times 'Central Standard Time' just skips due to wear - I expected big things from this record, and personally, I found little on it to keep me listening to the whole thing. Despite this however, the record is well produced and has it's moments, and though the songwriting may not appeal to me, it may to some. You'll either love it or hate, but one thing's guaranteed - this isn't the Get Up Kids of old.
nick
