The Hatters
You Will Be You

(Atlantic)

First Appeared in The Music Box, September 1996, Volume 3, #7

Written by John Metzger

You Will Be You is The Hatters' follow-up to its semi-breakthrough outing The Madcap Adventures of the Avocado Overlord. Although it's an enjoyable set, it doesn't match the promise of the group's previous endeavor. Much of the outing is a comfortable blend of past and present: Colors contains a majestic piano introduction that is reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby before the song builds in intensity and gives way to a Counting Crows-inspired jam. Yeah Bloom begins with the mediocrity of another Seattle rip-off, but diverges mid-stream into a swirling Strawberry Fields-style conclusion. I'll Walk floats in on an eerie Eastern feel, reminiscent of The Doors' The End. For the most part, though, the musicianship is hit and miss, often failing to make up for The Hatters' sub-par lyrics.

Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 1996 The Music Box