The Music - Strength In Numbers

by Mike Haydock

Is it too little too late for The Music?

"This is the music of creative lads who are passionate about their craft, who have to write songs to survive each day."

The Music are far too often heaped in the same pile as The Enemy and other northern lad bands with about as much appeal as a kick in the teeth. The initial hype, of course, has come back to haunt them: the backlash kicked in almost immediately, with their second album, ‘Welcome To The North’, derided almost universally (apart from in the NME) despite it being a formidable collection of stadium anthems that threatened international domination.

This is a band that doesn’t mouth off and talk bollocks to the press to try and earn unwarranted kudos. They don’t kick off pointless spats. They concentrate on making fist-pumping, mainstream rock that borrows from Led Zep and applies some modern youthful vigour. It’s confident not arrogant - and that’s a vital line to draw. This is the music of creative lads who are passionate about their craft, who have to write songs to survive each day.

‘Strength In Numbers’, their third record, is important because it may never have arrived at all. Singer Robert Harvey has been battling with depression, drugs and alcohol, which together nearly destroyed the band. The resulting collection of songs is riddled with tales of his pain and refusal to give up the fight, and there is a greater ebb and flow between styles, Harvey dipping more regularly than before into hazier, hushed vocals in an attempt to find a new voice.

While ‘The Spike’ pulls this off with aplomb, songs such as ‘Idle’, ‘Cold Blooded’ and ‘The Left Side’ are not nearly as effective as The Music’s more direct, soaring pop songs: ‘Strength In Numbers’, ‘Drugs’ and ‘Vision’ proving the most memorable.

But you get the feeling that this album still won’t convert the naysayer, that the misplaced labels and impressions are permanent. Mainly this is because 'Strength In Numbers' is the sound of a band tenderly piecing themselves back together, recovering their bearings before powering onwards and upwards. It lacks the cohesion and consistency of a classic album. But there’s enough quality material here to satisfy The Music’s fans, and the future remains bright.
Dan said on July 3rd 2008 [report abuse]

always thought the music should rename themselves and ditch the singer. the music, literally the music, was good, btu he was not. and the name is just a bit confusing and big headed.

Mike said on July 10th 2008 [report abuse]

I like their new approach, the songs are different, but with their pattern...fire is a classic. by the way, I agree that the name is a bit confusing but is is original at least. and in my opinion harvey's high voice is great

Add your comment