For Against "Never Been" (Words On Music 2009)

Nebraska post-punk stalwarts nothing against them …but

‘Never Been’ is For Against's ninth record, and excuse my ignorance but I’ve never heard of them, but listening to this record they sound like Keane & Snow Patrol with a dose of U2. Hey, don’t let that have you heading for the hills but there’s nothing here that you’d call ‘post-punk’ (what is post-punk?) The sound has also been influenced by Joy Division so it has moments of keyboard dirge. However, it’s not all dirge; the excellent ‘Different Departures’ has a strong melody even if it’s only about two minutes too long.

‘Black Willow’ and ‘Per Se’ are instrumentals that see the band go off on a bit of Pink Floyd & Barclay James Harvest trip; pleasant enough but nothing new. The centre piece of the record is the seven minute plus ‘Of A Time’ which to be honest is not the strongest song on the record and over stays its welcome by about three minutes.

The three piece band is led by main man & song writer Jeffrey Runnings, who is joined by Harry Dinman III (guitar & Keyboards) and Nick Buller (drums & keyboards). Recorded in Lincoln, Nebraska the record benefits from half a dozen listens. – Unfortunately there’s not the odd stand out track to make you persevere.

Date review added:  Sunday, January 31, 2010
Reviewer:  andy riggs
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  words-on-music.com