May 26 2008
For Against - Shade Side, Sunny Side
- Artist: For Against
- Album: Shade Side, Sunny Side
- Label: Words On Music
- Release: 2008
- Links: Label Profile, MySpace
Shade Side, Sunny Side is the 7th LP from Lincoln, Nebraska’s For Against and first effort since 2002’s Coalesced. More importantly, it sees the return of guitarist Harry Dingman, who hasn’t played with the band on record since 1988’s pivotal December. Dingman’s return brings with it a muscular guitar sound that was sorely missed on the mellow Coalesced. This is best displayed on opening track “Glamour,” a song that will take older listeners back to a time when the dimensions of indie rock seemed endless.
Although the return of Dingman is cause for celebration, Jeffrey Runnings is still the driving force behind this trio that is in its 24th year of existence. It is fascinating to track how Runnings’ songwriting has evolved. Early releases by For Against were known for their intense, angular songs that were emotionally complex. On Shade, that sound is still present, but Runnings has also established himself as a songwriter that is capable of writing an effective ballad. The lyrics of standout track “Why Are You So Angry?” may be simplistic, but it is hard not to relate to the song’s final plead of “You used to be such fun.”
Many of the album’s songs slide into the six to seven minute range. At times, this tested my patience, but on tracks like the aforementioned “Glamour,” the duration is absolutely necessary. It is quite remarkable that For Against are able to make an album so consistent at this point. They, along with artists such as Wire, are proving that you can make worthwhile music no matter what point you are at in your career. On the piano-led ballad “Game Over,” Runnings declares “Game over, I’m done.” Something tells me that we haven’t heard the last from this underrated Nebraska act that still deserves much more attention than they’ve received.
