3 keepers
keeper avg .214
Their second album since the band's 1983 break-up continues the trajectory of it predecessor "On Off On" (2004)(from what I remember). Whether slower in tempo or just produced with more mid-range tones, the overall sound seems significantly heavier than their original incarnation. Opening track "2wice"**** has the tunefulness of classics like "That's When I Reach For My Revolver," and a stomping cadence. "Donna Sumeria"**** humorously combines four-on-the-floor disco, but with Roger Miller's intricate, unflagging guitar riff taking the place of a sequencer, which alternates with rumbling, crashing verses. Though they're not leaving anything on the table in terms of punk aggression the change in sonic palate does alter the effect of all the angrily buzzing energy. On some tracks, such as the Crazy Horse-rumbling "1001 Pleasant Dreams", the melodic instrumental "The Mute Speaks Out", "Spider's Web," and "Let Yourself Go" the result is remarkably close to the post-hardcore style of Fugazi, or more specifically Poster Children, bands that Mission of Burma clearly influenced; indeed, the stuttering riffs of the last two are quintessentially 90's emo.
Of all the album's tracks, "Man in Decline" has closest to the scrappy hustle of Mission of Burma in the old days, while the almost industrial percussion makes "Good, Not Great" especially relentless. "13" is one of few tracks that feels like stopping to take a breath while on a constant downward trajectory; the dramatic arrangement most resembles Aerosmith or Led Zeppelin in mood and dynamics. The aggressive, angular riffs of "Careening with Conviction"**** are alternated with light, atmospheric passages and extra-menacing instrumental sections. Roger Miller's angrily buzzing "Period" seems like a missed opportunity; the stops give it some attitude but could have used more umph, as the understated exclamations at each stop seem more funny than aggressive. Likewise, Clint Conley's "Is This Where?" and "Nancy Reagan's Head" are built around memorable, pithy phrases, but are otherwise punchlines looking for a song.
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