Looking back, Punktastic has always had kind words for THISFAMILIARSMILE, so it’s probably best to open with an apology. It’s taken six months to get round to reviewing ‘Ribbons, Regards And The More Machine’, the debut album from the Cumnock quartet, a delay for which we apologise.
Like PT’s review response time, the road to this album release has been leisurely to say the least. The band’s previous EP ‘What Kind Of Monster Am I?’ dropped in 2007 and only now are we privileged to the follow-up. But such a timeframe is reflective of the methodical, well thought out nature of the band. ‘Ribbons…’ is exactly that; meticulously structured, methodical and well thought out. There’s barely a wasted moment. Influenced by the likes of Sunny Day Real Estate, At The Drive-In and Cursive, you’d expect no less really.
For the most part, the songs contained on the album focus on intelligent, expansive pieces, built up slowly but surely. Take ‘It’s Just Me, I’m Dark Everywhere’, a track that has a momentous build up, slow and scrupulous, but only reaches peak during the next track, the stand-out ‘9V Soldier’, which delivers a big ass hook. This is a dichotomy that works across the album; slow followed by pacier numbers.
The vocals on the record impress, covering a broad range that mimics the musical atmosphere generated. ‘How The Conversation Started’ has a Daryl Palumbo sound to it, whilst ‘Red Wine’ demonstrates a calmer approach. ‘An Introduction To Vultures’ has a poppy feel that would impress any emo band out there.
Unfortunately, ‘Ribbons…’ falls down in its lack of inventiveness. Whilst the musicianship shines through, and there’s a varying degree of style dalliance, the album would be strengthened by a couple of unique attempts. This is what makes those influential bands flourish. As it stands, this is a little linear and interchangeable. Unless you’re specifically paying attention, the record’s not going to jump out and aurally accost you. Still, this is a decent offering, and in terms of debut albums, a much better stab than many. Certainly patience and deliberation work their magic here.
ALEX HAMBLETON