Album Review - Gum’s ‘Seven Feeble Alibis’
Gum - Seven Feeble Alibis
- Time Going By; the first track on the mini album and the first referencing a theme that seems to develop as the album progresses - time, obviously. One wonders if the inspiration for this song came from the time passing between the release of their 2003 debut album ‘Low Flying Kites’ and the decision of certain key band members to depart during the interim period, citing the length of time it takes in the music industry to make a discernable impact. As an opener the track is bright and catchy, Leigh’s multilayered vocals settling comfortably over Raymond’s rythmic chord progression. However, it doesn’t have the depth that we’re used to from Gum as per ‘Low Flying Kites’. That depth follows… 4 out of 5. SPEAKERS
- Beyond the Horizon; The time references continue on the second track, the mood mellowing and darkening a little from the opener’s clear blue sky, borne out by the addition of a heavier guitar riff and horn arrangement. Leigh sings of broken promises and years going by, building to a typically Gum-esque uplifting chorus. This is the only track on the album where Leigh gets a writing credit. Gum fans will feel at home with this track, new fans will recognise immediately the tunesmiths that Leigh and Raymond are. 5 out of 5. EARPHONES
- Cross Your Heart - Hope to Die; the stand out track on the album, a grabber from first listen, quickly turning into a repeat-listener. More tales of broken promises pepper the lyrics, the phrase ‘break through this prema-frost of feeble alibis’ is a cracker and the album’s best word picture. Musically this is Gum at their best, easily putting them on the plinth they should be on; peddlers of pop songs with a heart. Buy the album for this song alone. 5 out of 5. EARPHONES or REALLY LOUD IN THE CAR
- Asleep at the Wheel - Bowman and Poole remix; ‘Low Flying Kite’s opener done to a turn by Bowman and Poole, all ethnic drums and sharp angles. I don’t have any info on B&P, but a Google search throws up some interesting clues. 3.5 out of 5. SPEAKERS
- Falling Through Cracks; the weakest, in my opinion, on the album, although it does have some great sections, with Leigh’s voice sounding very Nina Perrson, which is never a bad thing. Lyrically its as sharp as the rest of the album, but for me it doesn’t settle completely, not knowing what it wants to be. It does have an infectious middle 8, which, coupled with the strong lyric, should make it a better song than it actually is. But the unclear opening dilutes the overall effect. 3 out of 5. SPEAKERS
- Low-Flying Kites; funnily little track weighing in at 1.02 minutes, but enjoyable nonetheless. Leads perfectly into the secret, but ulimately, seventh of the ‘feeble alibis’. 4 out 5. SPEAKERS
- ?; untitled seventh track. Untitled in that it isn’t listed on the album cover. Lyrically it’s the best on the album, dreamy but purposeful melodies paint pictures of hilly inner city parks on hot, windless summer afternoons. Has Gum stamped all over it without sounding like anything on the debut album. Great songwriting. 5 out of 5. HEADPHONES
OVERALL - 4.5 out of 5
Buy this album, if you love honest music with considered lyrics and you want it to be fresh, new, well produced and accessible, then Gum are for you.