Search - Hood :: Home Is Where It Hurts

England's Hood have an exquisite sense of restraint. They're sparing with their vocal melodies, but when they do decide to drop one in, it's likely to land on a finely textured bed of sound. The title track compellingly opens with an acoustic guitar pattern played over a skittering electronic rhythm and rock-steady drumming, the perfect backup for the song's staccato vocal line. Unusual layers of percussion energize the emotional indie rock of "Cold Fire Woods of Western Lanes." "The World Touches Too Hard" sets uptempo blips against a slow piano line and lulling drones to create an ambiance that recalls mid-'70s Brian Eno and Robert Wyatt. Dub subtly informs "The Fact That You Failed" and "It's Been a Long Time Since I Was Last Here." On the latter track, electric guitar loops, a touch of vibraphone, and simple, moody trumpet create a mysterious, melancholy driftscape that closes the album on a high note. --Fred Cisterna