I love Limbeck. Not so much in a ‘they’re my favourite band’ kinda way, more the fact they seem to effortlessly put out fantastic records, all the time maturing their sound to get better and better. Not only is this record Limbeck‘s best yet, it grows and grows with every listen and I’m pretty sure it’s destined to become one of my favourites of the year – and it’s only June. But Limbeck‘s new self-titled album is not only a rockin’ specimen, it’s also got a southern swagger which makes this wholesome good fun in a 70s rock-tinged with country way. It’s self-assured, confident…it’s just a great record that defies the notion bands can only be influenced by their modern day rivals and coin a borrowed and generic sound. And it also shows how a band can be influenced by older acts and yet still sound like their own band. In short, there’s plenty to marvel at on this album.
The Weakerthans and The Replacements would perhaps be relevant comparisons should anyone want the lazy way out; there’s a southern tinge to things, but ultimately Limbeck like to rock in a slow, compelling way. The band mix up the upbeat with the twangy country feel, yet all of the tracks here are fantastic in their own right. And it’s perhaps this variety which makes this album zip along fantastically. ‘Wake Up’ is a downright tune, ‘Keeping Busy’ magnificent.
It’s light-hearted and a relatively simple concept, yet done so well anyone who enjoys music should get a kick out of Limbeck. It’s laid back and perfect for those lazy summer days. It may not be as energetic as those pop-punk albums that often dominate those summer mix tapes, yet I’ll argue this record will be in just as heavy rotation in ’07.