Household’s favouring new album ‘Everything A River Should Be’ is certainly a record to listen to with an open mindset. Following in the style of bands such as Movements, Circa Survive and Citizen, the Minneapolis trio are hoping to leave their mark on the scene with their new album.
Interestingly, the first single from the record, ‘Dark Matter’, follows the pattern of a dark alt-rock track, a step away from some of the other tracks of the record. The song still holds its early day emo style, yet ingrains a darker bass heavy track, creating something oddly different, yet still fitting in a way. Yet, even though there is a clear style of drawn-out chords and vocals for many of the tracks, ‘Far From Me’ interestingly brings a quicker styled sense of their emo roots, less drawn-out with more of an alt-rock undertone, a refreshing difference for the record.
Household’s alt-rock/emo blend is not a new revolutionary genre, and while the trio do try to bring a melancholic undertone album to capture their listeners attention, there are the few tracks that just don’t make the cut. ‘It’s Easy to Feel Rotten’ at its foundation doesn’t have the new or exciting feel to push it to the standard of other tracks. The lengthy track doesn’t seem to change from a singular monotone verse feel which unfortunately circles back to a repetitive structure rather quickly.
Then again, while there is the odd repetitive feature, there are some unexpected contrasting tracks thrown into the mix. Strangely contrasting track ‘Shore Slipper’ incorporates a dreamy connecting interlude between ‘Dreamer’ and ‘Safe World’. Despite being one of the shortest tracks of the album, the track has an extended lingering sense, similar to that of ‘Misiziibi’. However, the real standout of this album is the truly capturing finale ‘Bloom’. The track is the perfect blend of transitioning stripped back build-ups to a cathartic, full pelt near-end feel before transitioning back to a slow fade-out end, the perfect way to end such an album.
‘Everything A River Should Be’ is a slow flowing, calm drift through a record of heartache and winding creative lyricism. Far from quick and upbeat, Household create an emotive, slightly downbeat album with a rare sense of comfort within its slower progressions. This release holds itself well, and is one to check out soon.
Rating: 7.5/10
EUPHORIA OF BREAKDOWN 