Shriekback – Why Anything? Why This?

Whilst there are some great moments on this long-player, and it is all new material, this is one of their weakest in a long time. The last time I was slightly disappointed by a Shrieks album was "Go Bang!", which was just too disposable to sit among their classics to my ears. Last year's "Big Live Band 2017" was a great reinterpretation of choice tracks spanning their back catalogue, given often a more earthy and organic feel. It worked really well.....but when the band emailed out the recent teaser medley my heart sank. I recall the accompanying message described it as a band album, and he's right, but the problem is some of the tracks sound like a pub-rock tribute band in places. Whilst both Carl and Barry provide some excellent vocals, some of the intonation (particularly Carl's) sounds either comedic or a parody. "Rain' and the verses in "Catmandu' are quite difficult to listen to as a result.
The arrangements of the rockier tracks are quite leaden and formulaic, something I would never have associated with this band. It's the lighter tracks, like "Such, such are the joys", where the instrumentation and the playful lyrics are real Shrieks, and there are a few such tracks later on in the album. Some of the percussion is really intricate, and does lift the duller tracks in places.
Whilst it's great they are back, and sharing vocal duties, this album sounds a bit tired compared to it's two predecessors. Maybe the mix didn't do it any favours, as it's quite bass heavy, I'm not sure....but I've given it several listens and this new band sound/approach is not growing on me yet. Sorry, guys!