Five O'Clock Heroes – Speak Your Language CD
The Five O’Clock Heroes are no stranger to a good groove, that’s for sure. The band’s second album is a jaunty, upbeat collection of indie pop songs designed to get the kids jiving on the dancefloor. Whether it actually succeeds in this aim is questionable, but the album certainly makes for some nice, un-demanding background music.
It can’t be denied that ‘ Judas’ is an invigorating opener, with funky stabs of guitar and some rapid drumming. The album’s title track is a groovy wee number too and features the rather damning line ‘I stay late at work for fear of coming home to you’. ‘Don’t Say Don’t’ has an almost reggae groove, while ‘Everybody Knows It’ has a graceful, winning chorus and the vocals on ‘These Girls’ reign you in with a killer hook.
The band channel the spirits of classic songwriters such as Elvis Costello, The Police, Joe Jackson, and Dexys Midnight Runners and succeed in creating their own sound. It’s fair to say that there aren’t many bands playing at the moment which share a fondness for such un-hip influences. Perhaps the closest contemporary comparison that can be drawn is with fellow New Yorkers Vampire Weekend, as both bands share a commitment to poppy hooks you can dance to, although VP execute their ideas with a bit more panache than the Heroes.
Perhaps the biggest problem with ‘Speak Your Language’ is that every song is so similar. There isn’t a great deal of variety to the sound or much change of pace, which means the album struggles to hold your attention for the duration of its thirteen tracks. Maybe the band would argue- ‘Why change a winning formula?’ but the problem is that once you’ve heard the album a couple of times you pretty much know it inside out, lessening the incentive to hear it again.
Having said that, the Heroes are good at what they do and ‘Speak Your Language’ does have some catchy songs. The album’s highlight is ‘Who’, which features a duet with supermodel-of-the-moment Agyness Deyn. Turns out she’s got a good voice, a kind of prim, proper sounding vocal slightly reminiscent of Sophie Ellis Baxter. It all work well, and is the most punchy, immediate track on the album.
The Five O’Clock Heroes are not a band that are going to challenge you or push the boundaries of music but if you’re looking for some decent pop tunes then you’ll be more than satisfied.
Label: Glaze Records
Country: UK
Media Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Plays great but has some superficial marks