Album Review: Hope Addicts Hope Addicts

I've always had a real soft spot for Hope Addicts, formerly known as Andrew McCubbin & The Hope Addicts. Over four albums now, they've forged a reputation – tellingly, more recognised in Europe than they are here – for quality musical arrangements, terrific live shows and songwriting that attempts to delve the depths of the post Bad Seeds 'Melbourne' sound while always keeping in the back of its mind the not inconsiderable task of going about things slightly differently. Hope Addicts will do little to discourage anyone with ears to hear that this is one of Australia's premier acts. Significantly, (reasonably) new member Justin Cusack, from the extraordinary but now sadly defunct Black Pony Express, has brought an edgier feel to the music, with his terrifically manic guitar playing. But McCubbin's voice is as smokey and seductive as ever.

Opener Put Away That Gun sets the tone brilliantly for what is an all hit, no miss affair; the following ten tracks, each in their own special way, raising a bar which had already been reasonably well elevated by the band's past three records. If there was a gun to my head (as there is on the cover) and I was forced to choose, I might nominate as highlights Satellite, a ready-made single if ever there was one, or the band's cover of Dylan's Love Minus Zero/No Limit as flat-out the most fun. I'm told Hope Addicts are heading back to Europe soon, and their upcoming shows might be the last chance we get to see them for a while. Punters who pride themselves on taste would be crazy not to avail themselves of what is a fantastic opportunity, both live and recorded, of experiencing the musings of a truly great band.