HELLO PEOPLE :: Lost at Sea ~ 1.2
ADC | LS 4054
Titling this album Contractual Obligation would have been as descriptive as its actual name. I enjoyed the heck out of The Handsome Devils and Bricks, previous efforts that contain a curious but enjoyable stew of doo-wop, prog, and space rock complimented by Todd Rundgren's typically boxy production. A four-year interim gave the band plenty of time to gather up some strong material, but doing the opposite by producing this stinker proved to be a career killer. The credits on the back cover list the band by first name only (Kim played drums, for example), which means the Hello People are a casual, friendly lot, or they’re rather embarrassed by this effort. Lost at Sea strips all character away from the band's cosmic sound and only offers weak, anonymous playing and worse lyrics. Occasionally hammy lead vocals offer no solace to the listener through this disastrous platter, although tiny glimpses of the band's harmony vocal prowess do peek through. Many musical styles are attempted, but the band's heart is in none of them. It's up for debate on which is more offensive: the limp attempt at a disco single or the stabs at lame boogie rock, each one more miserable than the last. A smattering of odd, spacey effects applied to vocals and instruments are clear bids to replicate the Todd Sound, but these moments quickly float off like unwanted balloons. As each song fades, you can almost hear the band say “sorry, we tried,” barely stifling their laughter. I can't see it appealing to anyone, including hardcore Hello People fans (and how many of them are left?). I went out of my way to find it, ordering a copy from Germany and hoping to bag a winner. The only nice thing I can say about it is the band didn't mangle their cover of “Walk Away Renée.” Being boring is the worst musical crime, and Lost at Sea is guilty on all counts. Get it out of my sight.
January 16, 2020