Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 09/21/2004
Learn Yourself, the U.S. debut release by Australian
roots rock trio
the Beautiful Girls, gives fans of
Jack Johnson and
Ben Harper another reason to be cheerful. The group, fronted by singer/guitarist
Mat McHugh, has a charming feel set in motion by the loose, breezy vibe of
"So It Seems," but the sunny pulse of
"Music" and the lilting, sad
"Less" reveal emotional and artistic depths that seem rare for such a young band. At times the group draws on
Sublime's stumbling surf bum vibe, specifically on the undeniable
"Freedom (Part 2)," which gives desperate lyrics an optimistic
reggae thump. While the brushed drums and shimmering acoustic basslines of
"Cash Money" -- courtesy of
Mitch Connelly and
Clay McDonald -- are stylistically predictable, these
Girls have a welcome gift for melody, compelling prose ("Sturdy up your heart, the road ahead is long") and appealing presentation. Beautiful indeed.
~John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide
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