When a band like Supergrass – having released so many albums over so many years – put out yet another full length, the critics are always waiting, ready to pounce. When the band’s coming off the back of a previously well received record, the stakes are even higher. And so, as can be expected, there’s been a general humming and haring surrounding Diamond Hoo Ha. All the obvious questions have been asked. How does it compare to their back catalogue? In which direction have the band moved stylistically? And so on…
While some have claimed Diamond Hoo Ha lacks consistency and never reaches the standard of their previous effort, Road To Rouen, it’s fair to say this is a worthy album. Sitting on the more upbeat, rock side of Supergrass’s spectrum, it lifts off with the kind of title track, Diamond Hoo Ha Man. Setting the tone for the majority of the record, it’s a funky little number. Seemingly channelling the likes of David Bowie, there’s the typically chunky bass driven verse and staccato vocals that were all the rage in 1980.
What excels this song, and many others on the disc, is the explosive, hook-laden chorus. Coming out of nowhere it’s all distorted guitars and powerful chords. Bad Blood and album highlight Rebel In You take a similar line with masses of head-sticking riffs and melodies breaking from more sparse and minimal verses.
Like most Supergrass albums, there’s plenty of diversity though. The country-tinged When I Needed You is another highlight. Still slightly in the guise of a Bowie wig-out, it’s a classic Supergrass tale of longing set over a honky-tonk keys line. Likewise Ghost Of A Friend kicks along with all the country style of a Stones ballad. With another standout chorus, the track gallops along – reflecting the class of this band, and indeed the album in general.
