Little Comets know how to write an effective song. Whether it’s their indie pop banger ‘Dancing Song’ or their stripped back alternative ballad ‘Bridge Burn’, Little Comets have shown on numerous occasions that they can skilfully write enjoyable songs that get deep into the listener’s emotions, all whilst doing it with their unique idiosyncratic twist. Those talents and idiosyncrasies are on show again with this record, but not without some drawbacks.
That classic Little Comets sense of fun is apparent in droves on this record. The songs are often cheery with regular harmonizing on high notes to create a vibrant, carefree atmosphere throughout the record. It is most apparent on the humorous track “The Man Who Wrote Thriller” which has lyrics explaining to the listener that the man who wrote the legendary track ‘Thriller’ actually lives in the town of Scarborough and gets on with his life, which is a far cry from the glitz and glamour of Michael Jackson’s life I’m sure (well he did live in Scarborough, sadly he passed away in October last year).
This idea of juxtaposition is something that Little Comets explore throughout the record. On an undoubtable high point of the record, the track ‘Hunting’ features seductive delivery of pretty dark and disturbing lyrics which are supported by cheery backing vocals and dream pop like instrumentation. When all of this coalesces together it creates an intriguing piece of music that challenges the listener to pick apart and appreciate the individual elements, all of which are impressive.
Little Comets do have a tendency to indulge a bit too much in creating something that’s different and challenging. Throughout the 11 track record there are numerous musical styles to take in. There’s a couple of ballads, a noise-rock grunge effort that sticks out like a sore thumb, an alt-rock track with a big chorus, and danceable indie pop tunes. And that’s just the instrumentation. Lead singer Robert Coles has a different style of vocal delivery for almost every track, it’s almost as if he’s developed multiple personality disorder in the recording booth. It’s good to see bands trying new sounds and trying to evolve, but in this case it becomes messy and it doesn’t help that that the band just aren’t as good when they stray away from their indie pop sound that has got them where they are today. Unfortunately a lack of restraint has prevented this album from being something greater than it is.