As a title, ‘More Nothing’ is entirely misleading. The phrase denotes a lack of progress and suggests that Baby in Vain’s debut LP will follow closely in the footsteps of its predecessor, last year’s ‘For The Kids’ EP. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In just over a year the Danish grunge trio’s work has matured, with synthesizers and experimental drums jostling for space with their established frenzied, scuzzy style. Their understated intensity also remains and has been better harnessed with the help of frequent PJ Harvey producer Rob Ellis.
‘More Nothing’ also sees a lyrical shift from the band, touching on more personal issues and allowing their vulnerability to rise to the surface.
Transcendent is about the all-consuming nature of anxiety, for example, while Low Life looks at a dysfunctional relationship.
The former is driven by unrelenting beats while the guitars wax and wane, but the latter opts for more simplistic instrumentation to allow the focus to fall on its words. It is in the clarity of this decision making process that the band’s development is most evident.
That’s not to say they’ve become contrived, though. Thank You sees them descend into almost complete chaos, with thunderous drums backing driving guitars and caterwauling vocals, and lead single To Heaven And Back is a bracing opener, complete with an earworm chorus.
‘More Nothing’ benefits from repeat spins to allow its layers to be truly appreciated. The fact that it’s Baby In Vain’s first full-length is confounding as it smacks of a band who are truly comfortable in their collective sound. These days they also know how to execute it for maximum effect. Play loud and often.
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