The Big Pink : Future This :: Review
“Stay Gold” opens The Big Pink’s sophomore effort, Future This and vaguely recalls their 2009 hit “Dominos” while possibly referencing Johnny’s dialog to Ponyboy at the denouement of the cinematic treat S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. Although there aren’t any other references to coming of age novels and the surrounding cinema, The Big Pink don’t pack any surprises on this somewhat bland follow up to A Brief History of Love either. The skuzzy keyboards and big beat dance rhythms that dominated their debut are back for round two and there’s a general level of sameness and safety to this album. There’s nothing wrong with mining your past on sophomore efforts but at least have the decency to mix up the proceedings every now and again.
“Hit The Ground (Superman)” is a track that has potential modern rock radio hit writ large with its soaring anthemic chorus and choogling rhythm. “Give It Up” has a tinge of the blissed out sound and melancholy that bands like Washed Out and Neon Indian have co-opted but loses something half-way through. The Big Pink feel like they’re stuck in neutral on the tired “Rubbernecking” but thankfully the 80’s laden “Jump Music” perks up. The title track “Future This” attempts to ape the success of “Velvet” and without the stunning gauze that enveloped the previous, things fall flat quickly. Closer “77” follows the footsteps laid by “Future This” and the album mercifully closes with little aplomb. Perhaps The Big Pink should think outside of their comfort level on the next album.
Rating: 
