Band of Skulls’ second effort Sweet Sour tells the story of a band anxiously endeavouring to navigate the unmarketability of modern ‘rock’. There is no longer any excuse for writing songs based around a mildly inventive succession of major triads and over-used guitar riffs; the genre has lost all cultural viability.
Labouring under this anxiety, the blues rockers have combined the formula that seemed to have worked in their debut album Baby Darling Dollface Honey, with mellow, reflective, but for the most part forgettable, soundscapes.
Whether by coincidence or true ingenuity, there are a handful of truly rousing, anthemic gems. The chorus of ‘Bruises’ leads us unwittingly into the realms of stomping ’80s power ballads, before quickly regaining its dreamy innocence. ‘The Devil Takes Care of His Own’ and ‘You’re Not Pretty But You Got it Goin’ On’, each begin from swaggering bluesy premises, developing into furious and spirited head-shakers.
At its best, the album takes its seat alongside some of the more notable proponents of the genre, including Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Black Keys. It is only when aimless tracks such as ‘Lay My Head Down’ and ‘Navigate’ drift transiently by that this seat is snatched away, forcing them to sit down on the cold earth lamenting their shameful compromise. Therein lies their failing; the self-deception of hearts are evidently geared towards the arena of soul-shaking rock and roll while the music fails to live up to it.
Nevertheless, despite flying under the radar since their underrated debut, this album is likely to propel the Southampton trio to fame and lead to greater things as they appeal to a wider audience and add something different to the music scene.