Every artist is concerned with the pursuit of beauty; be it through form or content, though it is how effective an artist is at concentrating on either one, or even both, that determines it’s value – the world isn’t short of critics, and the difference between worthy creation and that which should have been left at conception is painfully obvious. The New Amsterdams have achieved something definitely worthwhile here; deriving it’s charm from knowing that less can sometimes be more, and as a result we have a subtle record, yet one the listener will warm to with little resistance.
Perhaps a less than flattering start to the record, ‘Every Double Life’ begins with a solitary accoustic and the now distinct vocals of Matthew Pryor; showing itself to be far from complex yet relatively soothing, a characteristic shared by much of the album; lyrical content is and always has been a strong quality of the Pryor’s, and it’s pleasing to know ‘Never You Mind’ is no different; ‘Lonely Hearts’ adopts a dreamlike lullaby-esque persona – suitably soft guitars and support from percussion make for a melody stepping dangerously and perhaps unintentionally close to the Get Up Kids permieter, yet never quite crossing over.
For fear of falling asleep (in the best possible way of course) ‘Proceed With Caution’ is enlisted next and provides a far more upbeat temperament – generating a sense of comfortable amibguity, eased along by a willingness to find a resolve, and as Pryor’s unmistakeable layering begins to show itself, it builds into a strong yet somehow still subtle force. ‘Slow Down’ reverts back to the dreamlike position adopted earlier, with drugged guitar and fleeting backing vocals which are incredibly reserved; in stark contrast to the swinging pace of the track which succeeds it, a welcome diversion, with part of it’s appeal drawn from it’s length and definite conclusion.
Following is the once again solitary ‘Goodbye’, once again lyrically adept, yet it is clear that the very nature of the song upon repetition, even interspersed between tracks with harder agendas somehow fall short of expectation, in a way the ‘Get Up Kids’ never seemed to; similarly, ‘Idaho’ will appeal to only the contemplative (read:sorrowful) amongst you – the restraint exercised is, admittedly too much in places. However, ‘Never Treat Others’ whilst utilising this same tool, is none other than an admirably catchy and excellently written much needed injection of life; though whether this is due to it’s removal from virtually all of the other material here is, and I think perhaps always will be, in debate. Still, It does show the full extent of the band’s talent, with even the guitar solo exercising dignity and a sincerity I haven’t heard from many other bands. In short, the record is possibly worth purchasing for this alone.
It wouldn’t be The New Amsterdams if they were to let ‘Never Treat Others’ steal the show; the continuity of solemnity isn’t disturbed by ensuring ‘I Won’t Run Away’ is ushered in to provide a satisfying conclusion.
Singularly mellow with a couple of flourishes, ‘Never You Mind’ shows excellence in many places; but just to reiterate, this may well be welcome addition for those in need of a partner for reflection; the Amsterdams seem to understand that fools do indeed rush in, and they’ve evidently been very careful not to.
nick