Album Review: Misgivings – Hermitage

Springing from what the press release calls the ‘melody-driven South Coast UK punk scene’, Portsmouth’s Misgivings already sound destined for bigger things than representing for a regional scene. There’s an immediate transatlantic feel to this album that transcends such a narrow definition. Kicking off with what is also the lead single (the gloriously melodic Call It Off), Hermitage is a confident and accomplished debut that captures a band clearly already riding a wave of creative energy and the pure joy of playing music. Recorded with Tim Greaves at Southsea Sound, the album follows a series of self-produced EPs.

There’s a lyrical and emotional intensity to Hermitage that is amplified by guitarist/vocalist Will Pearce‘s gruff vocal that is both a counterpoint and complement to a rich and complex musical accompaniment. As a piece, the album is programmed to be at times a rushing torrent (On Your Tongue, The Last Word) or a steadier, if still pacey, current (Shameless). No quiet introspection though, no ballads. Just a heady and intense melodic rush.

Eight songs in 24 minutes demonstrates yet again that when the song-writing is strong, bands don’t need to stretch their material to fill. And strong with the song-writing force Misgivings are – it’s not a big leap to hear the sonic influence of American powerpop/alt rock giants such as Hüsker Dü and Dinosaur Jnr in Hermitage. These songs are uniformly hooky, beautifully crafted and richly dynamic. Misgivings have a sound and a personality that is a paradox: simultaneously distinctive and yet full of musical surprises. It’s churlish to ask for more from what is obviously a band who need no schooling in how to do rock music – and I bet this is a mighty band live – but on listening to this album, I sometimes wanted a bit more grit, a bit more of that gruff passion and a bit less of the shiny guitar work that’s to the fore. But that’s a personal observation. An excellent full-length debut from a band that promises a whole lot more to come.

Hermitage can be pre-ordered via Lockjaw Records on blue suede vinyl here and digitally here