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No sign of the sophomore slump which has been the bane of many a kiwi band here.
"Out of the moon" takes all that was good about platinum selling debut "Riverhead", and brings it together into an even more appealing package.
The crossover success of "Riverhead", whilst huge was sometimes limited by being almost too clever. With "Out of the moon" Goldenhorse have managed to refine their sound without dumbing it down. As a result you can imagine hearing just about every song on this album being played on the radio. First single "Run run run" may already be song of the year (its coda -"come back I can't be without you"- is pure genius!), and this is only a hint of things to come. Don't be surprised to see "Cool pants" or the Bic Runga-ish title track at the top of the charts in the coming months. All of this is achieved without compromising the vital ingredients that make them such a unique band; Great songwriting and exceptional playing are balanced perfectly with Kirsten Morelle's obvious vocal talents and just enough of Geoff Maddock's former Bressa Creeting Cake quirkiness to keep things interesting.
Although Morelle is the instantly recognizable voice of Goldenhorse, guitarists Maddock and Ben King are both more than capable singers in their own right, and on this album all three are in fine voice. Whether they're singing alone, or – as is the case on "Fish"- blending seamlessly together.
There is a confidence and almost smugness in the ease that Goldenhorse knock out one sophisticated pop song after another, and with "Out of the moon" they have plenty to be smug about; it will be one of THE albums of 2005, and the world class production - contemporary without gimmickry, classic without being retro- will insure this album ages gracefully. Recommended. |
