Apr23

Clinic – Do It (Review)

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Clinic

Do It

Released by Domino


The new Clinic record is a bit like Tylenol, it’s good, it can usually get the job done, but you’ll want something heavier and less typical to relieve your pain most of the time. Yes, the fuzzy psychedelics char the soundscapes and yes, Ade Blackburn’s lethargic spill of words can muse on fate, tomorrow and memories, but too much reverb makes the album sag near the end.

A large majority of the songs carry the same structure: a churning pound of guitars on a verse and then a mellowed out airy chorus. It’s great, but this structure should be used to add surprise. As this happens on several tracks, it just becomes expected. When the songs, and Clinic themselves, really work, is when their eclectic array of instruments compile into a unique sound.

‘Tomorrow’ has ghostly harmonica’s, poignant drops of electric guitar and twiddling acoustic guitar. The lyrics about constant drinking display the bands talent for penning much with few words. Likewise ‘Free Not Free’ the first single (available for free download on their website) follows the soft/raucous formula, but executes it perfectly. A lumbering intro melts into a shimmering serene verse. The band even manages to include harp and flute into the dreamy flow.

For an album called Do It! there is not that much urgency present. This is not a call to arms, this is not a plea against apathy, this is a well done, though far from innovative rock album. If you’re jonesing for a fix of good psychedelics though, you might do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

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One Response to “Clinic – Do It”

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