The Tragically Hip - We Are The Same

They don’t sound much alike, but status-wise there are parallels to be drawn between The Tragically Hip and departed Mancunian monoliths Oasis. Both have been heralded as superstars in their home country (The ‘Hip have had eight albums debut at #1 in Canada), but failed to make similar splashes across the Atlantic. Both saw their relevancy wane, with exciting new bands emerging around them to render them dinosaurs. But where Oasis gave up, the ‘Hip persevere, and for at least half an album, revisit their glory days. The trouble is, We Are The Same is lamentably frontloaded. Opening track Morning Moon is a superb slice of melodic, sing-along indie rock, and the following quartet (particularly The Last Recluse) are equally enjoyable. The second half, however, reclines into a repetitive blur. The lack of variety suggests that whilst they may not be all out of ideas, the tank’s in danger of running dry. [Finbarr Bermingham]