'Personal Life' is a change of pace for the Thermals, and whilst this threw me off at first, it is a move that has produced an interesting album that is to be distinguished from their previous work. The discussions I've had about the album indicate that it is something that has been written and produced with the backdrop of potentially great heartbreak, some kind of personal tragedy or disappointment that has effected a key member of the band. This may explain the slower pace of the album.
'I Don't Believe You' is the only 'classic' Thermals song here, and its an ever assuredly catchy pop rock beat that is bound to go down as one of the great songs of the year. 'Never Listen to Me' provides a great dirty riff that grinds along for the best part of five minutes. 'Not Like Any Other Feeling' starts with a very poppy guitar melody which hints that perhaps Hutch Harris wants to break out into some mainstream success. Aside from this the song contains some thought provoking lyrics that make you wonder what that feeling is that is being discussed (Love anyone?). Indeed the lyrics here are the core to the entire album and there is meaning to be found from start to finish.
I am also obliged to mention the track 'Your Love is So Strong', where the Thermals have once again ripped themselves off with a chanting opening hauntingly reminiscent of 'Now We Can See', none the less its one of the catchier and faster songs on the record. Otherwise tracks like 'Only For You' and 'A Reflection' lack any stand out features worth mentioning, and merely feel like they are present in order to fill the record.
I've got respect for whats going on here, in this group's ambition to develop a new and more complex sound in these slightly mellowed and more slowly paced songs. Perhaps this is a stepping stone for a grand and elaborate future, but for now the change is restricting the group from producing anything as fantastic as their work on 'The Body, the Blood, the Machine'. The jury is still out on whether they have the song writing abilities to achieve true greatness in the style they are aiming for here.
7/10
PS and guys.. i do hope you can come to Aus around the new year like you promised, come to Perth? :)
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