Following on from ‘Artwork’, THE USED continue where they left off with new album ‘Vulnerable’. From the opening seconds of ‘I Come Alive’, it is clear that the Los Angeles outfit have retained all the elements which have allowed them to release four well received records; from the string instruments introducing a number of tracks on the record to the unashamed use of electronics (including the occasional drum machine) and highly charged choruses. THE USED are an oddity in the current musical climate, with their style hinting back to the turn of the century, yet their sound still remains refreshing and current.
Ever since their 2002 self-titled debut, THE USED have been hard at work creating their own niche, and ‘Vulnerable’ does little to change this. There are a few off-kilter moments – the spoken word verses of ‘Hands and Faces’ and the interlude preceding ‘Hurt No One’ in particular – but it does not take long for the trademark sound to break through to the surface.
Supported by Bert McCracken’s distinctive vocals, the sound throughout the album feels as theatrical as ever (the opening moments of ‘Now That You’re Dead’ provides a suitable indication of their eccentricities). Through their combination of electronics, melodramatic emotion and haunting arrangements the quartet have further developed a uniquely enigmatic atmosphere. ‘Vulnerable’ does not sound like an album trying to do something new, but simply an album happy to hone the successes of the past.
The record embraces the band’s increasingly prominent pop influences while effortlessly fusing these with menacing compositions. ‘Put Me Out’ contains an almost perfect balance of the two, and similarly, ‘Now That You’re Dead’ demonstrates McCracken encompassing the explosive rage that helped to define earlier records. The overall production value of the album may limit the power of these isolated moments but leads to a succinct and coherent listen.
THE USED have not always hit the nail on the head during their decade-spanning career, but ‘Vulnerable’ however, is their homecoming. Although not far removed from ‘Artwork’, this LP feels far more accomplished than their previous effort. From the force of ‘Put Me Out’ and ‘Kiss It Goodbye’ to the self-affirming moments in ‘Shine’ and ‘Moving On’, ‘Vulnerable’ places THE USED firmly back on top.
BEN TIPPLE