The title of the new Hellfire Sermons album is entirely
appropriate, because their hymns are more than happy to wear
their influences on their sleeves, both ancient (Joy Division,
The Chameleons UK) and modern (Interpol, with a surprisingly
healthy dose of Damien Jurado). Pity the poor soul who sees this
at a listening station at the record store and writes it off
after the opening “Freak Show” as another Joy Division
wannabe, because there is plenty more fun to be had here. “Quicksand”
is so danceable and catchy that it wouldn’t stand out of
place at a wedding reception. The band suffers from a bit of
schizophrenia, as they can’t decide if they want to be jolly
or sad, and the album runs a bit long for the novelty to hold
out, but there’s plenty worth hearing here. “Gentleman
Caller” almost steals the entire show by itself by
alternating from morose and yearning to bouncy and
sing-a-long-able within seconds. Fans of all types of current
underground music will be able to find two or three songs they
like here, but I’m not sure anyone will fit it into their
top ten. Ryan