Let’s get right into this: Time Spent by Household is a pretty difficult listen. It has the distinct feeling of a band that is comprised of members who have a variety of influences, and in an attempt to placate each member, each of these genres have been worked into the songs on the record, without proper consideration of what this does to the overall flow or message of the album.
Forgive us for sounding harsh, but we thought we’d save you any bullshit and give you a truly honest opinion. As a debut full-length, it feels like an album that still needs a lot of work, from a band who need to understand the direction they wish to go in.
What this leaves is a confusing, jarring collection of songs, that darts from post-hardcore to metal, indie to 90’s DC-hardcore riffs in a split second. Is it trying to be smart? After three listens to the record, I’m just not sure. It leaves you feeling confused and uncomfortable, not sure what you’ve just listened to and a bit baffled by what’s gone on.
It’s packed full of clichés, from the strained hardcore vocal style adopted by so many hardcore and pop-punk crossover bands, to the stale drums and predictable riffs, you can’t help but wonder if more time should have been spent on trying to do something unique, something original, rather than looking at what has worked well for bands over the past 5 years.
The key thing missing here is a central theme. Sure, these guys can write songs but there’s a rigidity there that has the feeling of a band being let down by a producer, or being guided poorly by management – I can’t quite put my finger on it.
It’s never particularly enjoyable to write a negative review, to tear a record apart that I’m sure Household worked hard on to create and are very proud of, but this album isn’t going to change the world. It all sounds done before, which is what makes it such a disappointment. Sorry, Household.
CHRIS ROBINSON