Gold
Some albums deserve to arrive in different eras. Whilst retro occasionally brings an over-indulgent cool, you get the impression with The New Up's album, Gold, that their release would have been better timed in the mid-1990s. That's not to begrudge the artistry and clear talent on show but sometimes retro works and on other occasion it falls flat. For The New Up evoke that golden era when American grunge and metal toyed and vied with Britpop.
The album begins with the title-track 'Gold', a moody track weighted in heavy guitar slurs and ES Pitcher's dragged out vocals developed for extra seduction value. 'Daydream' harbours far more intent to razor-sharp riffs and malevolent vocals from Noah Reid, introducing a down and dirty duet before succumbing to another dose of leaden rhythms. Amidst the arduous din lies some clever guitar-vocal interplay as 'Tiz Da Season' depicts an engrossing, intricate intro before unfolding to Pitcher's inviting vocals. Before long the track envelopes and keeps hold, tight, only to loosen its grip as Pitcher eases her intensity before slowly cranking it up again.
The trick seems to be in the engrossing opening; 'Situation Overload' exploits a meddling bassline to further sombre paced discord. Finally, they opt for the shock and awe approach with 'See Yourself' featuring a simple yet glorious drum loop gifting similarly controlled vocals a more disconcerting bite. 'Emphasis' puts the stress on repetition as lyrics and refrains combine then overlap to almost hypnotic, Soundgarden-esque effect. On a slightly more effusive note, 'Just Because' starts with a similar spellbinding tone before building to a grinding chorus.
Closing track, 'Better Off' sees The New Up on a triumphant last hurrah as all the previously featured exponents unite to devastating effect. Finally, Pitcher sounds as combative as she's threatened and drums slam with a proud conviction. Even the guitar noise seems measured in delivery as opposed to overcast which brings about a regret that the production could not have been as polished throughout. Sure, the album itself is a pervasive listen yet you cannot escape the inclination that its release is a few scenes too late.