On the band’s 2005 release Bleed Like Me, Garbage seemed to attempt a conscious shift towards a hard hitting variant on the exciting and melodic dance-rock that initially caught the attention of fans in the mid-nineties. Unfortunately Bleed Like Me failed to snare fans in the fashion of their earlier releases, falling short at an attempt at pounding guitar-driven tunes, and lacked Manson’s once searing and honest lyrical approach.
Following the release of Bleed Like Me the band took what they called a “temporary hiatus”, the members pursuing their own personal endeavours as the talk of Garbage faded away on the wings of obscurity. Until now.
Not Your Kind of People sees the band return to resurrect the reputation they once held, as an innovative and authentic rock and roll band.
The 11 track album opens excitedly and unexpectedly with ‘Automatic Systematic Habit’, a bombastic dance-beat driven blend of blaring synthesizer klaxon howls and lumbering, driving verses forced along to a trundling overdrive bass rhythm. Just as the sinister and grinding verse begins to conjure strobe lights, knife fights and Trent Reznor the song drastically shifts into a major key,sporting upbeat, hook-driven chorus vocals.
And so it goes on, the first single from the album ‘Blood For Poppies’ (released last month) appears early in the track listing, but in no way leaves an unexceeded impression for the rest of the record. Compelling lyrics and inherently contagious vocal melodies on ‘Control’ already allude to the songs potential as a follow up single. Taking an infectiously mellow turn at the title track ‘Not Your Kind of People’ the song is a testament to Butch Vig’s abilities in the realm of production. Baritone guitars and organ-synth textures evoke imagery of a space-age country ballad, while Shirley drifts in and out with wistful harmonised vocals.
‘Felt’ and ‘Man On A Wire’ stay true to what could ostensibly be considered Garbage’s more classic style. The hammering riffs and frenetic rhythms provide a few moments at the end of the record for the band to remind you that they can still evoke plenty of fervent foot stomping when the moment calls for it. Manson’s lyrics remain tactful, however these two rockers at times feel a little more like fillers and lack the allure of much of the rest of album.
Not Your Kind of People is certainly not a pinnacle for Garbage, but then again, the band maintain a very impressive history. Thus a sure compliment for their latest release is that this album is everything to maintain and is no detriment to the bands positive reputation.
-Morgan Benson
