3x****
With a sparse, bassy sound and bone-dry production, and a singer whose voice was blown out long ago, the overall sound can be a bit flat, but "National Hum"**** at least leaves the gate at full blast, sounding more like Jawbox than any of the other songs here. That's a big compliment. The title song has some interesting, memorable guitar interplay, though the choruses seem to drag. The droning opening riff of "Nighttime/Anytime"**** instantly sets the tone, while the drum part accompanies it perfectly, which makes up for the weak chorus (a theme). Meanwhile the extremely blunt bridge is expertly developed with each additional layer. "Insectivora" shows an 80's influence which works with the theme of "I'm learning to survive". "Young Lions" has a familiar buzzy Sonic Youth sound, while the wide open sonic space in "Goodbye Baby & Amen"**** leaves room for several interesting parts, including trumpet and sax solos at the end. The melodic and driving "On to You" seems made to open an album side, though even the poppier tracks stay too subdued. The general style is maintained until "Tank Commander", where the tentative hi-hat seems to create some tension that resolves nicely at halfway. Western-tinged "Sub-Domestic" is a good mellow ending to bookend the otherwise angular reminder of the album.
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