A Strong Return From A Lost Band
Michael Lima | Fresno, California USA | 07/24/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After not having a new Hothouse Flowers album for several years, it's nice to discover that these guys haven't forgotten how to play. However, their time off has changed them. Nowhere are the sounds that make "Songs from the Rain" the snoozer that it is. Instead, the band has shed two members and adopted a harder edge to their music. At times, they veer dangerously close to U2 territory (especially on the title track, which could've come off of "Achtung Baby"). But, songs like Learning to Walk and Turn Up the Reverb have a unique energy that use to only be evident in the band's live performances. Overall, the album is a welcome reminder that these guys still have a lot of music in them."