Anybody remember The Hoosiers? Didn’t think so. Although the band reached number 1 in 2007 with their debut album ‘The Trick To Life’, many people have forgotten them which is a real shame. Since then the band released their second album entitled ‘The Illusion Of Safety’ and the follow-up album ‘Bumpy Ride’ after departing from their label. Although their latest album is ‘Bumpy Ride’ we couldn’t help but look back on their first (and better) album, ‘The Trick To Life’. 7/10

     1. Worried About Ray

A very rhythmic tune highlighting the groups fears about a man named ‘Ray’. Foreboding lyrics like “they say the future’s out to get you, you know that I won’t let you fall” definitely trigger a sinister mood already.

     2. Worst Case Scenario

A cool and quick drum beat starts off this cheerful tune despite the darker title. The first lyrics are “you got out the wrong side of bed and liked it”, weird no? The lyrics seem to be compromised in this track although it is quite a catchy little ditty.

     3. Run Rabbit Run

An enigmatic feel is quite prominent in verse of this track from the awkward guitar slides to the high pitched vocals which precede the more chirpy chorus. A stand out track.

     4. Goodbye Mr. A

No, this isn’t just “the song from the Halfords advert”. This was one of the songs that catapulted the band into the public eye and quite rightly so. The lyrics describe the failed efforts of a superhero named ‘Mr. A’ over piano led rhythms and simple drum beats.

     5. A Sadness Runs Through Him

Acoustic guitars and beautiful vocal melodies start off the tune with short features of piano melodies and African drums. An odd yet fitting drum pattern is then introduced towards the end of the song.

     6. Clinging On For Life

Referring to this song as a “thing” is probably the best decription of it. A dip in quality with this song. With tambourines and whistles, the song sounds like a generic love song even though the title describes the complete opposite.

     7. Cops And Robbers

A basic yet effective bass line is probably the best part of the song. The electrics guitars in the chorus are quite similar to those in “Worried About Ray” but it seems to be working.

     8. Everything Goes Dark

The best song on the album by far. A more complex guitar riff and a continuous hi-hat are first introduced and vocals soon follow. The word “dark” is given the most oddest and unexpected melody however the sinister feel in this song pulls it together. The overall build up of this song is quite immaculate and the break down at the end is just incredible.

     9. Killer

Another stand out track bringing back the concept of foreboding lyrics, for example “don’t turn out the lights, kiss yourself goodnight ‘cos there’s a killer and he’s coming after you”. The prominent bass line is definitely the feature in this song but overall the song is quite brilliant, another stand-out tune.

     10. The Trick To Life

Apparently the “the trick to life is not to get to attached to it” and as these lyrics are first said a rocky beat precedes the verse which although it only lasted a few seconds, is the best part of the song but don’t worry the rest of the song is far from a let down. It’s quite good actually.

     11. Money To Be Made

The same mood as “Clinging On For Life’ starts off this song which is a bit disappointing. As the texture builds, hope grows for this song but a sudden silence occurs. Another idea is introduced, an odd one at that. A piano riff is brought in with a string and woodwind ensemble. Vocals then come in along with a brass ensemble. Although the instrumentation is quite interesting, it becomes monotonous.