Inside Your Guitar

It Hugs Back

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 7, 2009)
• Original Release Date: January 19, 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: 4ad Records
• ASIN: B001GPGXFE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #176,148 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Promising, slacker toned dream pop" --Time Out London

Product Description

Influenced by the intricate songwriting of Wilco, the sound layers of My Bloody Valentine, the pop charm of The Lemonheads, the textures of Sonic Youth, and the DIY aesthetics of the arts and crafts movement. On their sixth album, Matthew Simms' softly spoken vocals turn the captivating guitar licks, rhythms, and feedback fuzz into something wistful, imaginative, and charming.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Rocky Start, July 9, 2009

By	Greg Kinne "Criticaljoe" (midwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Kent, England based band It Hugs Back seem to revel in being a throwback to the early 90's era of guitar drenched pop music. Their debut `Inside Your Guitar' calls to mind various bands such as The Lemonheads, My Bloody Valentine and Teenage Fanclub. The band has a dreamy tone with doses of guitar squall peppered with electronic bleeps and bloops thrown in for good measure. Vocals are often buried deep in the mix with lyrics being second nature to the mood that the melodies conjure.

"Q" languidly opens the album before seemingly melting into guitar feedback and then rerouting to the melody. "Work Day" is brisk and strummy, and resembles the most straightforward pop song on `Inside Your Guitar.' "Forgotten Song" comes on like a sigh as the looping guitar chord progression blends with the subtle organ.

The mid section of this album stumbles a bit as the songs kind of take a backseat and feel kind of half-baked. Rocker "Now + Again" wakes the album from its slumber albeit briefly with its jagged guitar riffs and hushed vocals. "Look Out" and "Rehearsal" close the album with quiet and loud dynamics, which leads to a less than stellar climax almost as if It Hugs Back is afraid to cut loose and tread close to mediocrity.

`Inside Your Guitar' is a pleasant listen that could have benefited from a looser production style, as most of the songs seem constricted. As It Hugs Back find their voice, they could be a formidable band to contend with in the future.