1x****Using formulas referenced by Bob Pollard in perpetuity, there are actually fewer strong moments than I would expect. "Winston's Atomic Bird" tries to set a dramatic tone by combining the flourishes of the Who with verses by The Cars, but comes off as a muted version of both. "Brown Submarine" and "North 11 AM" aim toward slightly mysterious with a minor chords and a violin/cello thingy (in the former). "Two Girl Area" finally adds some acoustic Replacements power pop, though the alternately stuttering and driving "Zero Fix"**** is the best track here, with an original, catchy opening riff. The Pete Townshend-inspired build at the end is relatively ambitious, it doesn't entirely come off. "Psych Threat" is lifted from instrumental themes straight from Tommy, while the "psych threat!" line gets monotonous quickly. "Rat Trap" has a clambering klezmer-like urgency, while other tracks like "You Satisfy Me" and "Soggy Beavers" have an inoffensive easy-going "I Am A Scientist" intensity. And of course, there are the noisy lo-fi indulgences like "Ate It Twice" (a la acoustic David Bowie) and "Still In Rome". Unfortunately, the usual clutch of must-hear winners aren't here.
Comments