The title of Belle and Sebastian’s A Bit of Previous is apt, as the songs consolidate the influences that the Scottish band has drawn on for their entire career. The cover art, like that of their prior studio albums, is a monochromatic photograph, this time of young people—there are four different covers in all—pictured alongside specters of the past. Throughout the album’s 12 songs, Belle and Sebastian continue to do what they’ve always done best: expand on their inspirations from the past, including ’60s soul and ’80s Britpop.
Driven by propulsive acoustic guitar and presenting a glossier version of Belle and Sebastian’s early sound, “Young and Stupid” ends with a sample of a woman speaking: “You’re so small, nothing matters, so whatever.” She isn’t a nihilist, though, as she’s describing youth’s apparent freedom from consequences. It’s a sentiment that’s echoed, in reverse, on “Unnecessary Drama,” where frontman Stuart Murdoch sings, “And it’s probably not surprising/You’re burning through your life/And if I had a second encore/I would probably do the same.”
Belle and Sebastian’s greatest strength has always been their ear for melodies. And in the current vibes-over-hooks era, this is particularly refreshing on A Bit of Previous. The songs’ hooks are enhanced by small bits of counterpoint of piano or trumpet. The band is especially skilled at writing harmonies: Sarah Martin takes the lead on “Reclaim the Night” and “A World Without You,” but it’s her background vocals that are the band’s secret weapon here.
Uncharacteristically, “Prophets on Hold” and “Talk to Me Talk to Me” nod toward funk and disco, while “Come on Home” pays homage to ’70s smooth jazz with electric piano (used at least as much as electric guitar throughout the album) and a laidback rhythm. Here again, the lyrics address the topic of aging, and while much of the album is danceable, Murdoch and Martin come off like nerdy chaperons at a Northern soul all-nighter.
Heading into their third decade as a band, Belle and Sebastian’s self-aware embrace of their status as both elder statespeople of indie rock and a burgeoning legacy act is just as endearing as their self-consciousness about their rise to fame on early songs like “Seymour Stein” and “This Is Just a Modern Rock Song.” And A Bit of Previous manages to strike a balance between celebrating the group’s familiar sound and proving that they still have something to say.
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