REVIEW: Gladhands, Wow and Flutter (Big Deal)
- John Davidson
The Gladhands were on a roll. 1995's From Here to Obscurity was a plucky pop record, and 1997's La Di Da was a watershed of easy-going ear candy that even snared some critical recognition and a few year-end Top Ten honors. Using critical buzz as a stepping stone, the Gladhands managed to keep their head above water in the raging river of albums released that year. It's a modest feat to somehow find a rock to stand on (even if it's a small, slippery one), but unfortunately, this year's Wow and Flutter probably won't make crossing the morass to commercial success any easier. Following a gem like La Di Da raises the stakes, yet instead of building on the ideas that made that record so charming -- spunky, cheery nods to fine '70s pop -- the Gladhands have matured their sound, and at times veer towards easy listening.
At first you might be fooled, what with the heavy Beatle-inspired opening lick ("Plastic Soul"), but the second track, "Get Real," is foreshadowing to the low points that lay ahead. Despite accomplished playing and sugary hooks all over the place, the homage at times seems to have shifted from the Raspberries to Chicago. Comparisons to the Peter Cetera-sounding vocals aside, all "Get Real" needs is a horn section to make you think you're listening to a tribute album. In fact, hearing a horn section on the very next song "Pipedream" may have you checking the liner notes for songwriting credits. Other slow moments add to the filler, such as indulgent ballads like "...As I Go Along," or the icky Carpenters moment of "Lisa's Lullabye." Closer "Sun Prairie Hymn" seems filled with every Bacharachian excess they could imagine.
However, their attraction to this saccharine vibe isn't without some strong counter-balance. Beyond "Plastic Soul," "Destiny's Darling" careens and shakes like it belongs on La Di Da. The lyricless, swimming stereo of "70s Squareback" is fine, and "B.W.B" certainly has plenty of punch. "Too Good For You" and "Breath of Angels" both chug along with aplomb as the album winds down. It's as if they approach these songs with their guitars first, embracing the enthusiasm of their past records with upbeat tempos and a dash of punk energy. This is the spirit that has kept the Gladhands from getting lost in the shuffle.
The Gladhands are surely talented, and their ability to deliver memorable riffs have should make any successful jingle writer nervous. Yet somewhere in between La Di Da and Wow and Flutter their identity seems to have shifted into something a little more comfortable, a little less adventuresome and a little more willing to become their influences rather than exploit them into something more fresh. The result is a decent album that will satisfy their fans but not delight them, and may even keep the Gladhands where they were in 1998.
