Houston — Bottom of the Curve

This is the first time I do that: review the CD of a band a few months after they split up.  Sad news for the fans, the rest of the world won’t care. But they should take notice of Bottom of the curve, ‘cause some good songs are to be found here.

Bottom of the curve is the fourth and final album from the Minneapolis band. It was released on 54° 40’ or Fight!, a label better known for 31Knots math-rock, although its roster is very varied. Houston mixes math-rock instrumental à la Shellac, to metallic indie-rock à la QOTSA.

Houston are (were) a power trio that never gave up melody for power. One of their strong points is the voice of the singer: lazy, laidback, melodic, melancholic at times, and always pitch perfect. Very good dynamics, great guitar parts, nice bass / drums interplay, when they are good, they are fucking good.

Problem is that the album is way too long, and some songs are just very weak. A few tracks here are just plain math-rock instrumentals, very generic stuff and some of the more straightforward tracks lack the inspiration that transcends other tracks. Because, if your music is “under the influence”, a revision of a known formula, you’d better make sure that your ingredients are good. This is not always the case.

Let’s not be too negative: QOTSA or Jawbox fans will find plenty to rejoice. Some of these tracks are some of the best rock songs I’ve heard recently. But sometimes, it’s not enough.