Can you imagine a world where U2 was still cool? Imagine they had taken the right track and followed Nirvana down that Alt.rock path. Imagine if they had turned away from the mawkish, bland has-been rock that they are so fond of now. But instead, allowed themselves to be inspired by the genius of Nirvana, then Jack White and the guitar melodies of The Foo Fighters, managing to always stay true to their pop rock roots. Well now you don’t have to imagine anymore. But it’s not U2 — it’s The Working Title and their first full length album About Face.
The Working Title blend big guitar melodies with the husky, sensual, hands-down-my-panties vocals and soul-stirring, passionately emotive lyrics of frontman and lyricist Joel Hamilton. Hamilton’s raw, earthy voice finds your inner erotic being and holds you in its ardent, intense embrace, with the help of his powerful lyrics, for the entire album.
From the very first track, “About Face,” they begin to get under your skin with their unique blend of stadium guitar riffs and Nirvana/ Foo Fighters-esque guitar. This two-minute track is a perfect example of their sound and Hamilton’s dynamic song writing style.
“The Crash” is a fabulous indie rock track. Throbbing guitar and addictive riffs add to the aura of the inspired lyrics and that aphrodisiac voice. By the end you will feel the need to be in a stadium with 50,000 other screaming fans.
“Weigh Me Down” starts gently with a few strained notes of piano and moody vocals that have a tinny played-through-a-car-stereo sound. Then it starts to pulsate out engulfing you in The Working Title’s signature guitar-melody driven sound then suddenly you feel the thrill of the rush.
The melancholy, impassioned “Never Run Again” is a lachrymose ballad. The raw, vehement lyrics cry out of lost love and deep regret. This heart-felt song is both thrilling and maudlin and could just bring a tear to your eye.
“There is None” manages to maintain the signature sound and feel of the rest of the album and still feel like a departure. Played on acoustic guitar and sung almost sweetly of love and the frustration that can come with it. The final song “Turbulence” harkens to Radiohead with pensive, poignant lyrics and Hamilton’s sentimental, wet, sticky orgasm of a voice is perfect for this piano driven indie rock hymn.
About Face is an Alt.Indie.Pop.Rock album that you will want to listen to while lying on your bed in the pitch dark, music blaring, eyes closed, wearing nothing but your underwear. And that’s just what I’m about to do.
To hear The Working Title you can visit their Myspace space.
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