It’s hard to say anything scathing about Headlights’ second album, Some Racing, Some Stopping, but it’s equally difficult to say anything gushing. Come to think of it, it’s hard to say much of anything about the album.
The reason? Some Racing, Some Stopping just drifts by. The album is full of short, simple indie-pop songs that are pleasant enough in their own right, but a little too content to just unfurl without giving listeners a reason to notice. In a way, this understated approach is a welcome touch, especially in a genre where attention-grabbing tactics like redundant band members, gang vocals and rampant abuse of exclamation points have seemingly surpassed song quality in terms of importance, but it’s not likely to do the Illinois trio much good. Their subdued pop and hushed vocals will doubtlessly be passed over in favour of those more willing to make asses of themselves in the name of flash. It’s a shame, because Some Racing, Some Stopping is worth listening to, even if Headlights make it more difficult than most people are accustomed to to pick up on the backwards guitar, subtle electronics and stirring harmonies they fold into their three-minute pop songs.
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