It would be easy to misunderstand Hatcham Social. Their earlier releases could have easily been swallowed up in an abyss of anonymous semi-obnoxious indie rock coming from London. It would also be easy to ignore them under the assumption that they don’t really do anything different. On one full listen of ‘All About Girls’ it will become clear that whilst that is easy, it is incorrect. With a few additions to their band’s lineup Hatcham Social have put out a blissfully melodic LP that is full of vacancy, hooks and originality. Even if at times it is a little bit… Easy.
Track one ‘NY Girl’ plays host to a shady riff that bubbles underneath scratchy guitar. Then showcases the songwriting ability of Hatcham Social “Let’s do, whatever we want to do”. It’s a familiar ethos for an indie band to stand by but there is something almost defeatist about the way it is sung making it a lot more formidable. Throughout the LP the backing vocals sound unplanned, often sprawling off rhythm but giving the songs an element of impromptu buzz that so much air-tight guitar music is missing. Tracks like ‘Shut Your Mouth’ still sound tight and polished but the whole LP bears has an aggression and dissatisfaction that is constantly on the brink of a less structured sound. Thankfully, Hatcham Social manage to rein it in for phenomenal choruses like those on ‘Nicola Says’ and the guilty pleasure ‘All Summer Long’ making this record rest comfortably in the no-mans-land between indie and pop. Other highlights of the LP come in the forms of ‘Like An Animal’ and ‘Escape From London’.
Then final effort ‘Stick Together’ sounds almost like a live recording with the most twee lyrics to date but when one line goes “we will have a barbecue, invite your nan” you can assume some level of irony from Hatcham Social. The track goes on to be one of the LP’s best. It captures their raw and heartfelt sound that is reminiscent of early Doherty/ Barat material. A mysterious innocence that teeters on being sinister. This track almost makes the LP feel like it’s finished before it started.
‘All About Girls‘ is quick, punchy and far from easy. Hatcham Social have weighted up their sound and created an album that leaves some to be imagined, but little to be desired.
[Rating:4]
Release Date: July 16th 2012
