weightlifting album review

hybrid magazine

by embo blake
november, 2004

Trashcan Sinatras - Weightlifting

It's been a long time coming, this new record from Scotland's Trash Can Sinatras. It's easy to be disappointed, waiting so long for a new record from a band, but Frank and the boys certainly do not disappoint. Like all good things, these songs were well worth the 8-year wait.

Picking up where the last record left off, "Welcome Back" is a rocking tune full of excellent near-heavy guitar parts and driving rhythms. Then the falsetto beauty of Frank's voice breaks out bell-like on "Got Carried Away", which is in the running for most beautiful song of the year; a mid-tempo pop number complete with jangling guitars and groovy, silken bass lines. The classic early 90's Trash Can Sinatras sound is alive and well on "All The Dark Horses", with smooth acoustic guitars, nice background electrics and cleverly subdued disco drumbeats. And once more hearkening back to an earlier time on "It's A Miracle", Frank's voice is in prime form, reminding me of a much simpler time in my own life.

The overwhelming feeling on Weightlifting is one of hope, and the simple joys found in everyday life. I think the sentiment is nicely summed up in the jangle-pop of "Freetime": "Oh my lucky number's been rolling all summer/ And when the sun shines, I celebrate/ The beauty in life - it's my duty in life/ Cause the rhythm of change/ Will carry on beating/ I'll take these blue skies, however fleeting/ It might be too late tomorrow…" Nicely incorporated xylophone parts offset the song nicely, making it a perfect tune for a clear summer's day. Wrapping up the album with the title track "Weightlifting" is a well-planned endeavor, with its lightly played guitars and gorgeous background vocals.

Overall, this new record leaves me feeling very refreshed and relaxed. Like the clouds of a short summer rainfall have just passed over me, leaving me wet, but warm and comfortable. This record feels like home. And that's about the greatest thing a band can hope for, in my opinion.

Originally appeared in Hybrid Magazine .