My Sad Captains - Fight Less Win More

There has always been something very comforting about My Sad Captains, despite what you might expect. Presenting the big ominous statements over a background of cheerfully clacking tambourine and rich guitar melodies has always been their forte – title of choice ‘Fight Less, Win More’ firmly upholds the tradition. And then there’s the name, of course. Historically, captains haven’t been the most stable and easy-going choice of company. A sad captain, even more horrific surely? The very thought triggers the image of an inebriated wreck, slumped wailing sea-shanties and completely unable to keep control of his own ship.

Luckily for us, the captain in question here appears to be firmly at the wheel of said ship. The crew also seems sturdy enough, with Larry Crane (Elliot Smith, Steve Malkmus) on mixing duties. The resulting sound is far richer than anything the band have released before, and ‘Fight Less, Win More’ seems to bring a new depth to a band that used to feel a little bit too airy and acoustic in times gone by. Peel back the surface layer of lyrics like “I will reserve the right/To decompose in front of your eyes” and you’re greeted by warm textures and a gently plodding bass. Those lyrics might have seemed better suited to a piss-poor rabble of My Chemical Romance wannabes before, but again, My Sad Captains aren’t going to do the first thing we expect. In fact they treat their music with such taste and refinement that even slightly shoddy lines hit with maximum effect.

Not that there’s much shoddiness to be found on this album, on the contrary, ‘Fight Less Win More’ is packed full with delights. ‘Little Joanne’ skips along the line between its comfortable familiarity and the drawn out chorus that offers some contemplation. Dipping and floating into both territories with ease, the songwriter is undoubtedly skilled at the helm. ‘Threes’ is another song that provides a pleasantly predictable melody, but it also runs off on a tangent, keeping us on our toes. Don’t fight with this album to try and find the hidden meanings or weak spots. My Sad Captains may sound more like happy landlubbers with an ear for crafting tunes, but if you just sit back and enjoy you will, as the title states, ultimately be the winner.