Harlequin League – We Used To Be Gods, Now We’re So Plain

We Used To Be Gods, Now We’re So Plain – Harlequin League

by Aidan Roberts

These hyped-up goth-rockers from Perth seem to harbour a aggravated energy in their music. Perhaps this could come from some element of social discontent; the lyrics throughout confront issues like low self-esteem, racism, greed, etc. and the music, nestling somewhere between Placebo and The Living End, plugs along with anarchic intent, yet surprisingly clean production. There’s some interesting sounds in there, like the filthy fuzz and drain-pipe guitars in Bones, and a Cure-esque darkness to the whole affair. But when it comes to engaging melodies and exciting progressions, these songs leave a lot hanging in the air. From the get go it feels a little token, which is unfortunate. But something in the depressing title of this EP seeps into the general ethos of the thing, and for the most part it feels like a chug, chug go the guitars, and a wailing we will go. As is often the case, perhaps this material feels better live. On record, it’s tidy, but not very enthralling.

**