The Generationals’ new album, ‘Heza,’ is easy on the ears, but perhaps for that very reason falls somewhat short of expectations. Even after a few listens, the record has little to keep it from simply fading into the background. And to some degree, that’s the duo’s shtick.
These guys never claimed to be shooting for shock-value, and there’s definitely something to be said for the calm and comfortable vibe they generate. It takes a certain mood to appreciate the subdued style, which admittedly makes for perfect relaxation music. In their previous albums, though, the Generationals at least varied things a bit. The band’s 2011 album ‘Actor-Caster’ picks up the pace with “Ten-Twenty-Ten” and “Tell Me Now,” balancing the more gentle flow of other tracks. The mix works well and proves that the Generationals do in fact have enough breadth to keep you on your toes. ‘Heza,’ on the other hand, sounds flat as a whole.
Aside from one or two rogue tracks, every tune on the new record tends to blend together. I spent three days straight digging through this album from top to bottom, but play me a song at random and I’m not sure I could pick it out from the rest.
That said, ‘Heza’ is not entirely disappointing. The Generationals do use the album to flirt with new techniques that have an appreciable promise. They add depth to their songs with a heavier bass tone not present in their other work, and the group has clearly worked to fine-tune its difficult combination of electronic and acoustic. The Generationals obviously put the time since their last album to good use, and their sound has become palpably cleaner and significantly more refined over the years.
The album does feature a couple quality songs that rise above the others. “Spinoza,” the opening track, gives me exactly what I want from the Generationals. Catchy and compelling but not excessively peppy, it exhibits a passion reminiscent of ‘Actor-Caster.’
‘Heza’ resonates with potential, just a kind that you’d sooner expect from a debut or sophomore album than a third effort.
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