The Hair | Haircuts

The Hair: Haircuts

Four-piece workaholics The Hair have been in and around Leeds for yonks, I remember vaguely seeing them in support somewhere. I don't seem to recall any affectionate memories from that jaunt so was keen to give this new outing a spin.

"Brick Supply" enters the frame, and does my little ears disfavour straight away. It's a nice tune, and front man Sam Robson provides solid vocals, his best indie-kid impression hopping neatly between the glossy bass backbone. But Jesus, did they really have to kill any hope of me listening to this again by spearing the songs heart with some sort of freaky fairground organ sound, Wo, wo, wo. Wo, wo, wo. Wo, wo, wo. You get the picture. I take it The Hair think this sounds great, and this review will probably be slated now for me not been in touch with inventive musical styles or something but hey ho. Song 1, rename - Musical Chinese water torture.

And so the CD unfolds, Second track "Left foot, right foot" redeems it slightly. An offbeat indie-pop anthem again superbly sung by Robson, this time with an elegant guitar riff parading all the way through and some first-rate percussion. I still get the feeling this EP is stalling though.

And stall is does, final two tracks are a massive letdown. First "Jigsaw ballard" which plods along like a whimpering lion after been cut down with a rifle. Even the thus far reliable Robson wails along like he's on his last legs, "Bunny boiler" only confirms this to be a sinking ship of a demo, regardless of its snazzy "Jaws" sound bites throughout. It just doesn't seem to offer anything and doesn't seem to go anywhere, as if caught in a whirlpool.

Ok, what do I know? Tis all opinion after all and from what I remember The Hair have a great following in York and Leeds so they are obviously hitting some nail on the head. But to me this demo just seems to be a bit of a damp squid. Lame and tiresome. Not really bad, just not really any good. Just fine.

Comments

Sam Robson wrote...

Well there you go. First negative review out of about 12, and by the site I visit the most! Like watching your girlfriend get off with your best mate! Ha, not really. Ah well it was half a star better than the last, you can download all the tracks from our profile page and see for yourself.

Profile | Posted 22nd February 2005 at 19:02

JJF wrote...

'freaky fairground organ sound'

That sounds cool in itself! Get me a copy now Sam!!! Still listening to Sexual Chocolate (today in fact!)

Party till you puke man!!

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 00:25

braziiiil wrote...

Yeah Sorry Mr Robson, I really was trying to be honest in my writing and not go down the whole "Yeah, but its Sam's band, and he writes for LMS and may get pissed" road! Because I only know of you It was a dilluted version of having to review a mates band which I feckin hate!
The Organ sound is cool, for a bar or two but then started to grate, reminds me of that hook in Jlo's song which is currently sitting pretty at no.1 so maybe its just me
Danny

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 08:32

Sam Robson wrote...

That's not a problem fella. As a reviewer I'm fully aware that a review is simply a personal opinion, and it's not like you said we played badly...quite the opposite. So readers will accept that its just not your thing. I hope!
When we sent the cd out we said we would be happy with one good review, as a result we've had a number of really good ones so I'm not complaining! There's plenty here for people to take away and to interest them in the CD.

Anyone wanting a CD just PM me or mail me (email is on forum ID) or mail the band from the website www.hairmusic.co.uk where you can download this CD incidentally.

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 12:14

Sam Robson wrote...

Personally I don't notice the organ as much as I listen to my voice all the time being totally vein.
I thought it did a quite good job in taking the sound away from your generic london sound of the moment, but keys seem to grate some people and others love it...see final sentance my melodyme review!

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 12:17

braziiiil wrote...

Yeah I do agree your sound (thank the lord) is away from the london sound, which is great. I honestly think the Leeds area is producing a much wider, more varied musical outpouring at present.

There are also some great new bands emerging from hovals all round the Uk at the moment like Turismo from Hull.

Maybe the wacky keys are just not my bag, you got a damn fine set of vocal chords on you though mate

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 16:03

harryallen wrote...

Danny, Oh my God I think I'm telling the truth, when I say i'm seeing nothing when i'm looking at you.

Don't worry Sam, Oh my God you can't do anything right.

Brick supply is a kicking opening so there...

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 16:30

Sam Robson wrote...

i believe harry is making reference to lyrics there and being seriously offensive!
i've certainly heard of turismo from somewhere, do they play leeds a lot?

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 16:41

Sam Robson wrote...

i meant and "not being seriously offensive" things get overlooked when typing in a sling! sorry!

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 16:54

braziiiil wrote...

Not sure Sam, they are playing the Vine on 28th Feb. I got linked to them from a forum I frequent and some sly-fox sent me a few mp3's and they sound nifty.

Not sure if Dave has anyone down for the 28th. If not may swan down myself. Money pending.

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 17:01

braziiiil wrote...

what you in a sling for?

I asked Harry what he meant as I am more confused than offended. Shed some light sir.

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 17:04

Sam Robson wrote...

It's the second verse of first song.

I'm in a sling for trying to tackle a big bastard in rugby and allowing him to run through my shoulder and dislocate it.
Basic human functions like taking a piss are like taming a wild animal. My human failiure has spilled into typing too.

I think I've said enough.

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 18:13

Sam Robson wrote...

yeah looking back that message should have stopped at "dislocate it".
bollocks.

Profile | Posted 23rd February 2005 at 18:14

Review of The Hair's CD "Haircuts"