
Review by Phil M.
Named after a Bowie song of the same name, the self-titled album marks the debut release for Nick Hodgson, who previously served as the drummer and songwriter for the Kaiser Chiefs. This album represents Hodgson’s transition from his role behind the drums to taking on the responsibilities of frontman, guitarist, and vocalist.
Since leaving the Kaiser Chiefs way back in 2012, having lost interest in touring, he’s focused on studio work and songwriting for some big names in the business, releasing his solo album ‘Tell Your Friends’ in 2018. Since then he’s assembled a group of like-minded musicians and as Hodgson says: “This album was meant to be. It pulled me out of a world of co-writing with other artists, a world that had begun to make me feel pretty bad. It made me feel excited by music again. It made me get back in a band and go on tour again. As soon as I sat in the van on the first day of our first tour I realised this is what I’m meant to be doing. I’m a band guy.”
‘Brain Freeze’ was the first single to come out from the band last April, and since then there have been a further four singles released, so for fans there are only a further five new tracks on the album.
First off on the album though is ‘Somebody Somewhere’, the sound is full and mellow and leisurely paced. There’s a hint of Americana in the guitar work there too. It’s all put together very nicely with the instruments gelling well together and nice catchy chorus, supported by nice vocal harmonies, and I liked the chorus-ending lyric: “Imagine your worst day just got a little worse”.
‘Lucky Stars’ is the most recent single, released this year, continues in the same vein with a neat lead break in the middle eight. There’s plenty of keyboards here, filling out the sound and creating a good sonic tapestry.
Keyboards usher in ‘Only One’ and take a large part in the song, with some pedal steel sounds from the guitars and keyboards taking the lead in the middle. It’s well-crafted and builds well towards the end of the song.
‘Brain Freeze’ has a slight megaphone like sound to the vocals, pushing them back from the instruments. There’s some great bass work on the track and full brass sounds give the whole track an epic sounding vibe. I liked the bass and guitar synchronisation in the middle of the song too.
There’s a video release planned for ‘I Wish I Was in New York City’ later this month, it’s a little bit funkier than the other tracks, and given the subject perhaps that’s not a surprise. It’s still memorable with great piano chords and flanged picked guitar being a nice touch.
‘On the Same Side’ with the piano intro recalling early Elton John but has more sophistication in its overall arrangement. Apparently, the track was written for Liam Gallagher, but I think works better here. Again, the sound is epic and the bass runs fit particularly well.
‘Holding on to Let Go’ has some great Byrds-like jangly guitar and a strummy sound to the memorable chorus, followed by the ballad-like ‘Tried and Failed’. Bowing out with ‘Did I Just Fall in Love’ there’s a good retro sound to the album, supported by the video releases and branding. Not being a fan of the Kaiser Chiefs I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this, but this is a fine album with well-crafted songs and solid production.
Everyone Says Hi is:
Nick Hodgson – Vocals, Guitar
Tom Dawson – Guitar
Pete Denton – Bass
Glenn Moule – Drums
Ben Gordon – Keyboards
Track Listing:
1. Somebody Somewhere
2. Lucky Stars
3. Only One
4. Brain Freeze
5. I Wish I was in New York City
6. On the Same Side
7. I Wasn’t Dreaming
8. Holding On to Let Go
9. Tried and Failed
10. Did I just Fall in Love
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