Album Review: Holiday Trip Of A Lifetime

End Of Fashion must be schizophrenic. Or maybe the vast differences in sound between their first release way back in 2005 and their follow up in 2008 was simply youthful playfulness. Their latest release, Holiday Trip Of A Lifetime, doesn't offer any clues. It is just as different from the other two, and within itself has so many layers you can play the album twice and not realize you're listening to the same tracks.

One aspect though is surprisingly consistent and clear – End Of Fashion are a pop band with a Stock Aitken Waterman-like appreciation of production. That's not to say they're over-produced, although Never Far Away is perhaps slightly overcooked. The opener and album title track, Holiday Trip Of A Lifetime, has a fantastic industrial backbone under Justin Burford's crazy high voice, and with 5/8 timing it certainly holds your attention. The Magician offers a glimpse back into 2005, bordering on rock, while Legs Grow Long sound like a TV On The Radio track, getting all dancey and party time on us. Undeniably the standout on the album is Superlove. Made for mainstream release, it harnesses the boldness and energy of Muse without any of the pretense and wankery, making it a total ear worm.

The lads had two years to get this album together, and the production of it reflects that. On each listen you discover new layers and quirks in each track. The vocal production runs a fine line, especially when Burford has such a strong natural tone, but the effects aren't completely over-blown, just a little Hot Chip with your Oz pop.