Modern Hinterland is an Americana-ish three-piece based around
singer-songwriter Chris Hornsby. Previously Hornsby had worked solo - as most
singer-songwriters do - but for The Hoppings he felt the need to play with other
musicians, and Modern Hinterland were formed. Though very much a band recording
– the rhythm section of Colin Marshall (drums) and Tim Thackray (bass) provide
plenty of oomph – at the album’s core is Hornsby’s songwriting, and it’s a
strong, varied set, performed with real conviction.
Interestingly to prepare for The Hoppings, Hornsby listened to 365
albums over 365 days in an attempt to get to the essence of what makes a great
album. I’m amazed he had an original thought in his head after that musical
onslaught, but he’s come up with ten tracks which are impossible to pin down to
direct influences. Perhaps the most important lesson learnt was to avoid
filler, and at a succinct 32 minutes, The Hoppings neatly evades that
particular pitfall.
There really isn’t a weak track. Beginning with ‘Oh Jemima’, a
feisty upbeat number, with a Jayhawks(y) intro and hooks aplenty – a
pitch-perfect 3-minute rootsy pop song. ‘The Girl Just South of Hackney’ is
beautifully detailed; with a narrative that demands the listener’s full
attention and on ‘I Know Everybody That Lives Around Here’ and final track
‘York’ Hornsby confirms his fascination with people and places. I wonder if they’re
touring…
Rollo
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