the irresponsibles
Reviewed by: Phil Catley
Published: 15 February 2011
lp: let it out
“Let it Out” is a consistently professional and hard rocking release from the powerful rock quartet The Irresponsibles. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable CD that never disappoints with its strong melodies, pulsing rhythm section, edgy vocals and structured songs that distain archaic formula rock.
As a creative art-form, The Irresponsibles paint is Miranda’s voice applied to the swirling canvas laid down by Tash’s guitars against the solid considered rhythm section. Throughout the album Miranda demonstrates an outstanding grasp of rock-vocal phrasing - hitting the highs, pulling back to a whisper or launching a raucous scream, sensing what the song needs at any given point. With a few years of live performance under her belt Miranda has created a compelling rock front-(wo)man’s persona that may be unrivalled in this town, and it has translated to this release.
And yet, the importance of Tash’s guitar work on this CD cannot be understated. Tash has carved a solid sculpture which exhibits an enviable musical maturity. Her guitar work is to be admired, not because she pulls off dive-bomb lead solos replete with lightening fast finger-tapping, but because creates rocking melodic tunes without resorting to the usual guitarists clichés. The guitar in this band is a musical colourist, and it almost defiantly refuses to launch into predictable solos.
The album consists of 12 tracks plus an additional acoustic version of 'Break Me', which is given The Irresponsibles rock treatment earlier in the album. There are now three recorded versions of this song; an earlier, slightly heavier version of 'Break Me' appeared as the opening track on the 6 track 2008 CD “Beginnings”.
'Home' is another track from this release that also appeared on “Beginnings”. Both versions have their appeal: the original version is raw and powerful, the new version subtler, more anthemic, but still powerful.
“Let It Out” also includes a cover of the Kylie Minogue hit 'Confide in Me' which presents a slight variation in style. The synthesizers augmenting the rock sound developed throughout the album; it’s bigger, almost like a James Bond theme, but it’s not out of place on this album, and it still has The Irresponsibles' flavour.
The rest of the album comprises raunchy rock with opening tracks 'Pretty Boy' and 'Loose' racing along to pulsing beats, driven guitars with woven overlays. In 'Loose' the drums introduce silent half beats which are used sparingly and effectively to change pace. The guitar work in 'Save the Day' is a flawless mix of power chords, barre chords, riffs and interchanges. Again, no rock solo – just variations in intensity, gear changes, silences and a modest use of effects.
The title track 'Let It Out' is a powerful ballad with an eerie guitar slide and the effective use of vocal echo to build wall of noise. This song perhaps best represents the range and power of Miranda’s vocals.
A steady succession of killer tracks includes 'Take Me Over', which ends on a Tom Morello inspired guitar riff, the bluesy rock staccato shuffle of 'Bit of Fun' and 'Somebody Else' which adds a touch of sadness with the simple use of a single minor chord.
'Song for Rob' is the only acoustic tune on the album (apart from the re-recording of 'Break Me') and on it Miranda shows she can carry a simple acoustic song on the strength of her own voice.
This is a great rock album with a mature sound from a hot band.
