The follow-up to Dreamers Are Waiting is, on first listen, even less memorable, except for the song ‘Oh Hi’, which I already knew. The lyrics are as good as ever, but the sound is quite easy-listening, background music. It took several listens for me to really like the album, although the opener, ‘Magic Piano’, struck me. It has a particularly Beatles-esque sound, which can’t be a coincidence as the cover artwork is reminiscent of Revolver. Other songs that stand out are ‘Some Greater Plan’ and ‘Black Water, White Circle’.
I’m sorry to be missing Crowded House on tour this year, but I’m sure that everyone attending will be looking forward to the classics more than the new songs. I like that they are writing new songs and not just trading on nostalgia but I wish the melodies were stronger and with more guitar hooks. I have no idea what ‘gravity stairs’ are, as they are not referenced in the lyrics, but it seems a good name for the album, suggesting that serious thoughts can take you places.