The Swell Season, 'Strict Joy'

Release date: October 27, 2009
Record label: Anti-
Official Web site: http://www.theswellseason.com/

The buzz: John Carney’s 2007 film “Once” was an instant classic—and it was also aptly titled. Made for a measly $150K, it grossed a cool $20 mil worldwide and turned Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova into international stars and Oscar-winners (Best Original Song). To continue the fairy tale, the on-screen lovers became real-life lovers. It was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime sort of experience. Sooo…how about that follow-up album?

The verdict: Sequels are treacherous. Hansard is a big talent, but “Strict Joy” sags noticeably in comparison to its predecessor. Despite being ostensibly the couple’s breakup album, it’s emotionally flatter; there’s nothing as lovely as “Falling Slowly,” nothing as searing as “Lies,” and nothing that really comes close. Hardly an equal partner, Irglova contributed a couple of reliably pretty, if slightly anonymous, songs and even her contrasting harmonies don’t seem as prominent. Hansard has soul to spare, and all his time at the altar of Dylan and Van Morrison has served him well, as heard on the graceful, impassioned lead track, “Low Rising.” But he seems too subdued on much of “Strict Joy”—as though shot by an NPR tranquilizer dart—and too willing to overshadow the intimacy with bigger production.

Did you know? Hansard’s longtime bandmates from Irish rock group the Frames played a prominent role on “Strict Joy,” and have frequently appeared as the Swell Season’s backing band on the road.

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