Album Review: H2O - 'Nothing To Prove'

It’s been seven years since H2O’s last studio record, so when the band announced they’d

be releasing a new full length in mid 2008 I think it’s safe to say

the news was met with both excitement and cynicism. Well, in my recent

interview with H2O bass player Adam Blake, he was quoted

as saying that the band didn’t feel any pressure when it came to making Nothing To Prove and that in turn resulted in a free flowing and

energetic record... and that sums it up really. Free from the interference

of major labels and touring constraints the New York five-piece have

been able to make their most impressive record in almost a decade.  

The thing I have always loved

about H2O is their meat and potatoes approach to song writing.

They don’t need studio tricks to make their tunes better and Toby

Morse doesn’t hide behind cryptic metaphors when it comes to his

lyrics. As a band they wear their hearts on their sleeves and Nothing

To Prove is no exception, 

Opening blast “1995” is brimming

with more energy than many of today’s younger bands can muster, the

up-tempo, gang vocal heavy choruses etching itself into your brain within

thirty seconds of pressing play. The record’s title track is classic H2O with a punk beat being met head on with a bouncing chorus, while

the driving “Sunday” sees Toby at his most introspective

(that means you should actually buy the record and read the lyric book

kids).  

The groove of “A Think Line”

recalls the band’s New York comrades Madball with Freddy

Crichen even making a guest appearance in the song’s bridge, which

makes for a stark contrast to the mid paced “Unconditional”. Although

I am not (and have never been) straight edge, “Still Here” is an

inspiring song nonetheless, Toby’s nearly quarter century dedication

to the lifestyle well and truly standing the test of time. “Fairweather

Friend” is more than capable of standing on its own two feet, however

a vocal contribution from Lou Koller (Sick Of It All) never hurts

and “Heart On My Sleeve” can be appreciated by anyone who has ever

felt as though they’ve been judged on their appearance. Rounding out Nothing To Prove is the anthemic “Mitts” and the shout along

“What Happened?” both tracks standing up to the high quality precedent

that has been set by the remainder of the album.  

“No matter how bummed out

you are on life and how disconnected you feel from everything, music

pulls you right back up and keeps you positive”. 

1. 1995
2. Nothing To Prove
3. Sunday
4. A Thin Line
5. Unconditional
6. Still Here
7. Fairweather Friend
8. Heart On My Sleeve
9. Mitts
10. What Happened?