Clinic: Bubblegum

Clinic
Bubblegum
Domino Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Band continues their musical exploration on album number six - Bubblegum.

Album Review:
Clinic have always been a moving target on how to describe their sound and on the bands sixth full length, Bubblegum, the target moves again. This record dives deep into a more laid back psychedelia, that is mostly acoustic but still has the Clinic complexity and depth. This direction challenges the band to create their burning from the inside energy, that is typical and really dig down to make these tracks on Bubblegum swag. Sure there are some rockers here, like "Lion Tamer", "Evelyn" and the ultra-cool closer "Orangutan" but most of the record's thirteen tracks keep things simple and let you absorb the lyrics and groove to their beat. Even though Bubblegum is a change, Clinic has always been about affecting you with their music and this record succeeds in that area. Bubblegum still struggles to maintain a listeners complete attention over its 40 minutes, which will not attract many new fans to the band. Core followers will adapt and should enjoy the new direction on Bubblegum, if you just open yourself up a bit. My guess is - if you are already a Clinic fan - you will adapt.

Key Tracks: "I'm Aware", "Orangutan", "Milk & Honey"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Verve
Radiohead
The Psychedelic Furs

Clinic: Do It! [Fire Note Review 4/8/08]

Official Clinic Website
Clinic MySpace
Clinic Facebook
Domino Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony