Bruce Hughes

Shorty (Freedom)

The subtitle to the sophomore solo effort from this Scabs and Resentments mainstay proffers it as “an album of momentary songs.” Setting himself to the task of crafting tunes as short as possible (only one breaks the three-minute mark), the “momentary” nature that Hughes invokes unfortunately applies equally to the songs’ lasting impact. Shorty revels in defying any coherence of style or thought, driving in endless detours that ultimately lead nowhere. The Beatles-meet-Ben Folds pop of “Kiss Tomorrow Hello” sits uncomfortably beside the lackadaisical soul of “Happy to Help,” laptop break beats of “Dear New Girl,” and head-scratching hip-hop of “Magic 2th.” Hughes’ trilling falsetto on “Faster You Fall” sounds like a watered-down parody of Prince or Lenny Kravitz. The playfulness of the entire endeavor works best on the blues of “Baby’s Bag,” while “Daydream” and “Awake to Remember” showcase Hughes’ capable songwriting, but those moments only emphasize an overall lack of the same.

**

This article appears in April 11 • 2008.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.