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Harvey Milk Bassist's Solo Debut: A Bleak But Uneven Ride
6 Oct
Summary
- Stephen Tanner's solo album 'Things Haven't Gone Well' strips down Harvey Milk's sound.
- The record features skeletal tracks with repetitive riffs and underdeveloped songs.
- A slowed-down cover of CSNY's 'Teach the Children Well' adds a unique, demonic twist.
Stephen Tanner, the bassist from the enigmatic metal band Harvey Milk, has released his solo debut album, 'Things Haven't Gone Well,' as Music Blues. This record strips down the funeral blues sound explored on Harvey Milk's last album, but it struggles with a lack of development. Many tracks rely on a few core riffs, with only slight variations in basslines or tempo.
The album features moments that hint at past glories, such as strong opening riffs on '91771' and 'Premature Caesarean Removal Delivery.' However, these often lack significant progression, making the album feel like a slog despite its conciseness. Interestingly, the longer tracks, 'It's Not Going to Get Better' and 'The Price is Wrong,' feel more fleshed out and are more engaging.
A standout moment is a demonic, slowed-down rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's 'Teach the Children Well.' This track's unique personality is something the album could have benefited from more of. While it's positive to see a Harvey Milk member actively creating music, 'Things Haven't Gone Well' doesn't fully capture the distinctive essence expected.
