:: The Beautiful Girls - We're Already Gone

The Beautiful Girls

The music starts off with a sombre whining of a lone trumpet reminiscence of Miles and gang, accompanied by the melancholic bass of Clay MacDonald, and the subsequent shuffle yet steady beats of Mitchell Connelly, and finally the trademark reggae-styled singing of Matt McHugh. This latest offering by The Beautiful Girls titled ‘We’re Already Gone’ starts off with the first track of the same name; a tale of lost, unrequited and unending love played to an almost harmless tune. Perking up a little, the second song And We'll Dance On The Ashes Of What's Left funks it up with the guitar; the wounded heart trying hard to pick up the broken pieces, to move on. Suddenly, we realise that we have already gone on a journey with these beautiful girls! With The Biggest Lie I Ever Told, the un-loved story carries on, but now with resignation setting in, the killing of the feeling starts - so to speak. But wait, the sun is setting as well, and the intensity dies, and we are brought to a slow, easy feeling tune, with some sense of happiness finally arising in Let’s Take The Long Way Home. Leaving the reggae behind, Skipping Cracks goes into mild rock gear, and we have the story of single-mum’s life and the days she endures, which not only offers a nice change of pace, but also a different perspective of the very same heartache. Then an interesting blend of rock-reggae intro that vaguely reminds one of The Police happens with The Wrong Side of Town, which quickly turns into a serious tone of self-explanation to perhaps critics; and I wonder if they are trying to tell me not to judge them, but to enjoy the ‘music that sets you free’. Well, that might just be the principle that guides reggae. Girl, Lately Things Have Been Changing is a change towards the bluesy side of the Girls. The mood now is gentler, in When I Had You With Me, wherein a catchy ballad surprises us. Shot Down gets the blues and reggae back, gets the philosophy of love and peace back in the face of violence, all expressed in an infectious chorus. Then it ends with No Wrong, No Right; what sounds like a bluesy intro for Sweet Dreams, becomes the initial dark and somber backdrop the album starts off with initially, taking on God and the Devil, these cowboys of reggae, these beautiful violent protests of peace and love and heartache, culminates and ends here with this song. Minimalist style, rare solos, bare setting, laid back melodies that goes with the setting sun at the beach, but with rather ironic heavy going lyrics - it is a treat for reggae lovers or people going for an easy listen. Nothing that would make you startle too much, but lots to enjoy and bop your head and aching heart to.