Had we known that Les Savy Fav wouldn’t release another record for 14 years, we might have hesitated to heap quite so much praise on their last brilliant album, ‘Root For Ruin‘, an album I have well and truly worn out. All jokes aside, it felt like they were on the brink of even greater success. Now, ‘Oui LSF‘ picks up where its predecessor left off, perfectly adapted to our current mad world.
‘Oui LSF‘ comes out swinging with “Guzzle Blood,” a deceptively low-tempo stormer that delivers a powerful punch. Tim Harrington sounds as menacing as ever, and the riff shows the band hasn’t lost its post-punk mastery. “Limo Scene” follows with a cutthroat riff and instantly memorable vocal refrain. It’s as if they’ve never been gone.
“Void Moon” keeps its intensity, channelling Television with its dystopian bass line and vocals that urge immediacy. “Mischief Night” shines with a devilish glint in the band’s eye. The duelling guitars, courtesy of Seth Jabour and Andrew Reuland, set the stage for another Harrington masterclass, while Harrison Haynes delivers a drumming tour de force. Syd Butler‘s bass work underpins the entire album, providing the groove that drives each track.
“What We Don’t Want” channels Elvis Costello on a rollercoaster with the B-52s. “Legendary Tippers” takes a leftfield turn, with Harrington adopting an affected delivery and the track’s instrumentation allowing more breathing space. The discordant guitars come across as both near and far until the explosive chorus provides the perfect payoff.
“Dawn Patrol” serves as a welcome respite, acting as a quasi-instrumental break between the album’s initial onslaught and what’s to come. Vaguely Michael Stipe-esque mutterings float in the ether. But don’t get too comfortable, as “Somebody Needs A Hug” follows swiftly. A shimmering guitar line and a hi-hat-heavy drum beat turn the melancholia up to 11, with the song title and the refrain “I am having fun right now” sounding somewhat caustic.
“Racing Bees” is the second ‘Oui LSF” interlude, relying mostly on a repeated riff and a distorted surf guitar sound before fading away. “Don’t Mind Me” is as close to crooning as you’ll find on a LSF album. It’s an intriguing departure, featuring minimal organ accompaniment to a heartfelt lament. The final line, “You used to love me, now you just don’t mind me,” is utterly heartbreaking.
“Oi! Division” might have a humorous title, but its intensity is no joke. Harrington returns to his familiar trick of repeating witty observational lines until they’re literally drummed into your head. “You have to network if you want to get work”—alright mate, I will.
“Barbs” continues the oral onslaught with a persistent drum beat, a clash of bright and harsh guitar sounds, and even manages a tribute to Blondie‘s “Dreaming.” “Nihilists” represents a significant departure from the band’s usual sound, introduced with a looped clapped beat and evolving into a soft rock exploration. The chorus combines orchestral pop and ethereal dream elements, all seen through the unique Oui LSF lens.
“World Got Great” ends proceedings on an optimistic note. The music remains tense and immediate, but the lyrics offer a silver lining to this messed-up world. “We were there when the world got great, we helped to make it that way. With Les Savy Fav returning, the world may have gotten that little bit better
‘Oui LSF‘ is proof of Les Savy Fav’s enduring brilliance and, simultaneously, a bold reminder that they’ve still got it. Ultimately this album reinforces the unmistakable fact that their distinctive blend of punk edge and danceable grooves remains timeless. Let’s hope we won’t have to wait another decade for their next release—our patience might not hold out that long!
TRACKS:
