Void Contact is a studio band that was founded in the mid to late 80’s; per the liner notes some of the songs that appear date back to the early 90s. The 14 songs on Many Happy Returns cover a lot of ground, but are rooted in pop. There is some really good musicianship and melodies, but what bothered me was how obvious some of the influences of the band are referenced in the music. The opening “What’s Going On” blatantly references the Beatles “A Day in the Life”. “Market Square” borrows heavily from ELO, and “Rainy Day” rings of XTC. At this point I find myself annoyed, artists have always taken ideas and made a unique interpretation, problem here is they didn’t bother to veil what they were copying. “Love That I Have Missed” sounds like a song written for a play, very dramatic presentation musically and vocally. Here I am reminded of a weaker version of Dennis DeYoung of Styx. Overall, the vocals are decent, but not strong or distinctive enough for a lead vocalist. “Testify” has a Reggae twist, but other than a few spots, things begin to blend together. 9 Tracks would have been plenty, at 14, there is just too much of the same. Overall, these guys have talent; they just need to figure out their own sound.
Track Listing
1
What's Going On
2:29
2
Market Square
3:38
3
Rainy Day
4:19
4
Round and Round
4:22
5
Hard for Me to Let Go
3:50
6
Face Ourselves
4:22
7
Love That I Have Found
3:19
8
New Idea
3:52
9
Hold Your Head Up
4:45
10
Testify
4:40
11
Since She's Been Gone (feat. Ray McHenry)
4:32
12
Look the Other Way
4:28
13
Love That I Have Found (Instrumental)
3:18
14
What's Going On (Reprise)
0:22
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