Australian Adam Harding has maximised his address book on this debut release from Dumb Numbers. Ostensibly a solo record it features an almost embarrassingly rich list of collaborators that include Dale Crover (Melvins), Lou Barlow, Murph (Dinosaur Jr), Bobb Bruno (Best Coast) plus photography by David Lynch and artwork and videos by Jesus Lizard’s David Yow. Unfortunately the veritable supergroup status doesn’t translate to a stellar record. Instead it too often meanders and wallows in directionless riffing.
There are of course some moments where it all comes together. ‘Lost Inside’ wins by virtue of its energy and high velocity guitar surge and the single ‘Redrum’ lumbers and squeals beautifully like a 90s Seattle grunge amalgam. Too often though the vocals in particular possess little to draw in the listener, to give them a reason to care what Harding or others are singing about. All the great bands that these musicians have played with possess distinctive singers yet here the vocals are a void in the songs. There is a curiosity element that will draw many to this record but little to sustain interest. Harding may be better served next time round standing on his own two creative feet.
