There's 'summat' about this band that I like yet I can't put my finger on it. Their first record was choc-full of pop melodies and lush piano-pop songs and 'North' is absolutely no different. Arguably it's even better, ditching the sillyness and replacing it with the dreaded 'mature' word. Have SoCo grown up? The answer in a nutshell is yes - and 'North' is as mainstream a record as I've heard all year. Belonging more to Radio 2 than Radio 1, Andrew McMahon and co have grown up musically with the SoCo sound a lot 'bigger', probably thanks to Geffen's budget as much as anything else.
But after listening through a few times there is one thing that kind of stands out - this ain't a punk record. It's not emo either, nor is it rock. So what the hell is it? Piano-pop? Pianocore? I dunno...but any trace of the pop-punk guitars that clinged on to tracks like 'If U C Jordan' have left through the window (ahem) to leave a clean sounding, pop album. I don't mean to sound condescending to any reader or to the band, but this is more akin to David Gray or Ben Folds fans than Leatherface. Infact I'm only really reviewing it because of their previous links to other labels, such is the departure. My confusing rants may be suggesting this is a bad album, but I'll stress the fact that it isn't. 'Space' is a great song, pop or not, that will hopefully infest the radio. At the end of the day I'd much rather listen to this than DJ Whatshisface.
Of course some of the songs are a bit dull and wishy-washy, 'Down' takes too long to get going for example, and it's the upbeat numbers that stick in your head. 'Only Ashes' thuds along while 'Me and the Moon' discusses murder and the inside of the offender's mind. What was that about growing up? Everything now revolves around the piano too, and whereas on 'Leaving through The Window' the guitars often took control Mr McMahon simply tinkers his ivories to take the song in the right direction. This means it's more David Gray than New Found Glory, so bear that in mind before you buy.
'North' - an album to do the ironing to. It's as safe as houses and sounds a bit too familiar at times, but SoCo have come back with a record that's solid and thoughtfully crafted, even if it won't appeal to the vast majority of people reading this. At least I know what to get my mum for Christmas...
www.somethingcorporate.com
Geffen Records
Paul
