Minneapolis favourites Soul Asylum return with their 13th studio album, and their first since 2016’s ‘Change of Fortune’. The new album ‘Hurry Up and Wait’ was preceded by the single ‘If I Told You’, which gave a hint that Asylum fans could expect the band to return with their trademark romanticism, with melodies as delicate as ever, flowing in the line with Pirner’s vulnerable vocal delivery. While the ‘Change of Fortune’ album was a mixed bag, the new single ‘If I Told You’ was already perhaps a better song than anything from that album, up there with ‘Misery’ in terms of Soul Asylum ballads.
A good omen then for the new album, which was finally released 17 April 2020. And fans won’t be disappointed. Whereas ‘Change of Fortune’ was perhaps at times a little overblown and a little overproduced, ‘Hurry Up and Wait’ is more direct and earnest, following more in the footsteps of the inspiring ‘Delayed Reaction’ from 2012. The sound is instantly recognisable, but as with most later Asylum stuff, it’s more explorative in its sound, demonstrating Pirner’s expert song writing skills which have been present at least since the early days.
The album opens with the strong riffing of the aptly named ‘The Beginning’ before the song almost immediately swings into familiar territory, full of sweet melodies and catchy hooks. Going straight into the superb ‘If I Told You’, this is the Soul Asylum that fans have come to love. This of course permeates throughout the album with songs such as ‘Make Her Laugh’, and ‘Social Butterfly’, but there is enough variety on this album though to keep it interesting at every turn. The Slade-esque stomp of ‘Got it Pretty Good’ is a fine upbeat number, whereas ‘Dead Letter’ takes a decidedly folky turn. There’s also a lot of rock on this album, from the bluesy romp of ‘Landmines’ to the harder ‘Hopped up Feelin’’.
Every song on the album is a strong as the last, and the variety is refreshing. Less polished than ‘Change of Fortune’ and more consistent than ‘Delayed Reaction’, the record is certainly the best album since ‘The Silver Lining’, and maybe even before. For Asylum fans, ‘Hurry Up and Wait’ will definitely rank alongside their best.
Buy ‘Hurry Up And Wait’ Here
Author: Craggy Collyde
Recent Comments