Remember the Australian band Crowded House? If not, trust me, they rock. Songs like “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and their previous band, Split Enz’s “I Got You” are understated classics that were international hits. With their pop sensibilities along with an alt edge, the brothers Finn were pioneers for a generation of bands from Down Under. While Neil and Tim Finn led the way, their rhythm section, consisting of Nick Seymour and Paul Hester, were thunderous in their own right. In the early 2000s, the duo joined singer/songwriter Matt O’Donnell to form Tarmac Adam, which was a bit poppier than Crowded House.

On The History Effect (their first album in the States), the Melbourne-based outfit picks up where it left off. With the cast of characters remaining the same (except for Hester who died), the time between albums isn’t a factor in its quality. First single “Chalk on Slate” is one of the more interesting tunes on the album. Slowly building over a keyboard, ukulele along with a rhythm guitar, the songs combines elements of (not surprisingly) Crowded House, but also a splash of ‘80s era David Bowie. With lyrics that use metaphors about choices, opportunities and forks in the road, O’Donnell’s words inspire the tenor of the track.

The soothing “You As Me” is delicate helped by the guest of vocals of Maddy Hay, while the acoustic strumming of “Leave” allows for another slow build, this time a bit darker (due to the influence of Seymour’s thumpy bass) than some of the other tracks. “Leave” is a bit more complex musically, with different instruments combining forces to create a somber mood and is more Manchester than Melbourne sounding.

“Stand” is the most enjoyable song to jam to. While it’s not as poppy or as rockin, there’s an element of dream-pop, but not in an oversynthed out, annoying way. O’Donnell’s vocals are a calming voice over an equally intricate melody. The laid back nature of this song best surmises the tone of the album.

Likewise, “Stuck With This” may not be a musically complicated song, but it is a lyrically driven track that speaks of past experiences and trying to let go, but ultimately not being able. That’s what differentiates O’Donnell as a songwriter from some of his contemporaries. His words and thoughts are the type that any person can relate to because they touch on emotions that are common to every person. Everyone goes through the gauntlet of feeling doubt, regret, aspiration and hope and he’s able to describe those themes eloquently and at times, beautifully. 

Above all, the theme of the album seems to be about moving on and the journey of getting there. The common thread of O’Donnell’s lyrics is how emotion can lead you to go through a variety of feelings. He says that there’s a narrative of bittersweet reflection and hopeful longing, and therein is the appeal of The History Effect. Sometimes simplicity can be drab and other points, it can be interesting since you can really hear the message of the album. While there’s nothing particularly transcendent or a song as appealing like some of Crowded House’s biggest, that doesn’t take away from The History Effect being a thoughtful work that anyone can relate to.