Indie band Limbeck has the strange origins of being founded by four So Cal punk rockers. Straying from its musical roots, the band's style swiftly evolved from anti-establishment rants into Americana fused with pop and alternative-country. Best known for their virtual non-stop touring and lyrics about living from a van, Limbeck took a break from the road to record their latest album creatively titled Limbeck.
Unfortunately, their latest effort scarcely lives up to Limbeck's previous releases. Despite the smooth evolution from punk to pop, the band's newest transition is more of a mutation rather than a progressive step forward. Limbeck abandons the group's signature sound in favor of a heavier country/rock vibe, but instead of being more rockabilly many of the songs just clang around awkwardly for three or so minutes. Without lead singer Robb MacLean's distinctive vocals it would even be possible to dismiss this album as any other indie band's efforts upon a first listening.
Limbeck, however, is not completely devoid of listen-worthy material. A few of the songs retain the classic On the Road-style lyrics (minus the whole drug thing, and also minus the not as cool as Jack Kerouac thing). It is impossible to resist the charming interstate view of America projected in the songs. Lyrics generally are Limbeck's strong suit. They follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest songwriters of all time by writing about real people and things they've done. The songs aren't meaningless dance hits or anthems (not that those don't have their time and place). They have substance. Limbeck manages to hold its place as a road-trip staple.
It must be said that in spite of these talents, Limbeck contains one of the most obnoxious songs ever written -- "Friends." Lyrics like "It's good to be good to people you don't understand" are not only irritating, but also lead one to think that Limbeck has traded in the freedom of the open highway for dribble you'd hear on a different type of road -- specifically Sesame Street. Except in this case there is no Snuffy or Oscar the Grouch to make paying attention remotely worthwhile.
The band is known for producing the epitome of great road-trip music, and Limbeck, in spite of its faults, sometimes accomplishes this. Their music is perfect for when you've exhausted all the cheese-tastic flashbacks like the Spice Girls and Aqua... or if you're a guy the not-so-cheesy Pink Floyd, Jay-Z or whatever it is you listen to (but more power to the boys who admit they listen to the Spice Girls). Then again, at least the Spice Girls make everything fun, and their social commentary is far less insufferable than Limbeck's, plus it is delivered with sassy British accents.
In the end, Limbeck is mediocre. After every good song your hopes are up that it will continue to get better, or be the band from Hi, Everything's Great, but then the next song begins to play and you realize its main backing is people clapping in unison. Overall, if you are a true Limbeck fan then the album is worth adding to your collection. If, however, this is your first listen, please start with an earlier release and spare yourself a less amusingly nostalgic trip down Sesame Street.
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