Hoosiers - Trick To Life
These three fellas may be known for their enjoyable, humorous and quite laughable tracks, but there is much more to them that meet the ear.
If you have only ever heard of the two releases from this indie pop band, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of songs on the album. The sounds produced are like a mix of aspects from a few different genres. Of course there are the poppy and upbeat tracks like the debut release ‘Worried About Ray’, the second release ‘Goodbye Mr A’ with its cartoon style introduction and ‘Cops and Robbers’ with its upbeat and strange whistles. There is also ‘The Trick To Life’ where the guitar adds a strange yet unique cartoon feel with some odd and jumpy space sounds. The quiet start develops to an explosion of sound, with a punching section to look forward to.
There are slower numbers on the album that show a little more emotion. When ‘Clinging On For Life’ begins, it reminds me of ‘Hey There Delilah’ (Plain White T's), but continues on a different path, practically acoustic with just a few chimes and underlying quiet guitar rhythm. ‘A Sadness Runs Through Him’ uses acoustic guitar in much the same manner. The other acoustic tracks include ‘Everything Goes Dark’ which is much more tighter, and ‘Money To Be Made’ with its slow pace and violin which you don’t actually expect.
In terms of instruments, there is an unexpected large variety here. After hearing the two singles, you would expect much of the same. But ‘Worst Case Scenario’ has chimes to add a strange effect, ‘Cops and Robbers’ has a trumpet that adds some depth and a jazzy feel, a trumpet is also on the hidden track ‘The Feeling You Get When’ as is a piano and strings. Bass makes ‘Killer’ a much darker track and adds a sense of mystery in its upbeat chorus.
The band has written songs about more than just boy meets girl, heartache and problems. ‘Run Rabbit Run’ explores themes of growing up and what to expect from your life; the track is actually quite deep. The vocals through out the album from Irwin are exactly what you would expect after listening to the first two releases. But there is a more unsettled and wobbly sound to ‘Cops and Robbers’, and a higher sounding vocal ability to ‘A Sadness Runs Through Him’; and before you ask, yet it can happen.
When I first played this album I was quite shocked at the talent these guys are able to put out. They are not just a band making tracks that make you laugh, and videos where they get to dress up as super-heroes. With ‘The Trick To Life’, The Hoosiers have created an excellent and very original album.