With their comeback single One Said To The Other,
The Living End return to old habits and previously-conquered
territory. Witness the return of producer Lindsay
Gravina, who first collaborated with the band seven
years ago, and the black-and-red artwork that recalls
the glory days of their debut album. Even bassist
Scott Owen returns to songwriting, if dubiously,
with "What Would You Do?".
Glib
observations aside, the desire for familiarity and
comfort is understandable. As has been well documented,
the last eighteen months have been turbulent for
The Living End. Chris Cheney barely survived a car
accident, while Trav Demsey relinquished the sticks.
2002 was a non-entity.
They
lost momentum, but their reputation continues to
precede them. Their lofty position on the Big Day
Out 2003 bill would have induced vertigo in lesser
mortals. The Living End seem content to ride this
reputation - "One Said To The Other" exudes assurance
and complacency. A dynamic opening - all crashing
cymbals, guitar chords and yells - leads into melodic
hooks and expert guitar work. These have become
the trademarks of The Living End sound. Happily,
new drummer Andy Strachan (ex-Pollyanna) brings
a lighter touch, but the lyrical concerns (a girl
who's "powdered up, confident, with solarium tan")
remain lightweight.
The
Living End simply take care of business and their
recent, flat, performance on Rove [Live] emphasised
the merely solid nature of the song. It is enjoyable,
though, and at times they do hit their stride -
the "She's never gonna leave it alone" hook pushes
the limits of Cheney's singing. Even at their most
pedestrian The Living End still cut the mustard,
but hopefully more engaging material will be found
on their to-be-recorded third album. By Michael
Tran .
Track Listing:
1. One Said To The Other
2. What Would You Do?
3. Blinded
4. Fond Farewell
Reviewed by Michael Tran
