Sounds Familiar Album Review

I’ve had mixed feelings about Breaks Co-op since their second album The Sound Inside was released in 2006. I’d been a big fan of their 1997 debut Roofers and had expected them to continue with that downbeat trip hop sound that worked so well for them. Instead The Sound Inside ended up being quite a different kettle of fish (or collection of songs).

Their latest release, Sounds Familiar, coming 7 years after The Sound Inside sees them again going in a different direction. There are bits of both albums in Sounds Familiar (helping it live up to its title) but also a new sound, that reminds me of light 70’s pop. It’s most evident on the title track, but also pops up (no pun intended) in other songs.

On first listen I was a little surprised by the album, as it started with quite a dark tone on the track All This Time and I expected it to continue. On further listens I came to appreciate the different tones running through the 10 tracks and enjoyed the album more with each listen.

The standouts for me would have to be All This Time – I love that dark downbeat sound – and Lovelost, which almost mimics TrinityRoots, but never sounds like a rip off of them (well, maybe just a little).

If you really got into The Sound Inside then my guess is you’re going to enjoy Sounds Familiar as well. If you weren’t such a big fan of the last album, then it’s worth giving Sounds Familiar a listen, as the sound is different enough that it may pique your interest in the band.