With a Hellcat band you normally know what you are getting. The label thrives on signing old school sounding groups that have a tendency to throw in a little ska or folk to mix things up. Oh, and of course they always sound a bit like Rancid, except in the case of latest signings Time Again, who sound exactly like Rancid. ‘The Stories Are True’ is the bands debut release for the label.
It really is no exaggeration to say that Time Again are Rancid clones. The similarities are many and obvious, from the song style and structures to the vocalist doing a fantastic impression of Tim Armstrong. Now, obviously Mr Armstrong is fine with this, as he has signed the band to his label, but it really does detract from the listening experience. This is particularly evident on the title track, with features Tim Armstrong – if you didn’t concentrate you wouldn’t know when Tim was singing and when it was Time Again‘s vocalist.
Don’t get me wrong, I am, and always have been, a big Rancid fan. I just think that with this release Time Again have stepped too far over the lines of imitation, when they would be better served putting their own stamp on their music. What is particularly galling is that Time Again clearly do have the ability to pen a decent track or two. The likes of ‘Broken Bodies’ and ‘Kenny’ feature buzzing guitars and great melodic choruses.
‘The Stories Are True’ is ultimately a disappointing release. By spending their time aping their idols Time Again come across as a very generic and average band. There is talent here but Time Again would be better served putting some originality, and some of their own identity, into their music in order to breathe new life into a much maligned genre.
Mark