Album Review: The Beards - The Beard Album

With three completely beard-related albums already under their chins, the hirsute brigade of beard-enthusiasts known as The Beards have somehow managed to whip up yet another 12 tracks focused entirely on the subject of facial hair. At some point it's surely going to run dry, but that time is not yet nigh. It seems as though these four hairy men still have a lot of life in them – or perhaps they just have a lot to say about beards.

Much of the comical value lies not so much in the lyrical content alone, but in how it's being delivered. A simple chanting of the word “beards” repetitively (as sung in the Queen-esque third track, I Like Beards) is not particularly funny on paper, but the combination of cheesy power rock, camp piano melodies and dramatic gang vocals make it so. Through all the insincerity and crude humour, there's a considered musical exploration that underlines The Beard Album. With a dramatic disposition, The Beards have explored everything from heartfelt ballads to feel-good classic rock – the only problem is it becomes difficult to appreciate as the album drags on. 

It's impressive how much variety these guys have been able to extract from such singlular subject matter, and they're certainly doing it well, but by the same token, there's only so much beard banter a person can take in one sitting. You probably won't get many repeat listens out of this one.