Sounds a lot like their old stuff but more intricate, though this makes it a bit monotonous and dull. There aren't any stellar tracks to get excited about on this one like there was with Menos El Oso - Memphis & 53rd, Drilling, Puchaca Sunrise. I guess Matt Bayles had a more significant influence than I would've thought. It might make the tail end of my top 20 but right now I think it's gonna be on the outside looking in.
==== What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.
Posts: 507 | Location: Care-a-lot | Registered: 16 July 2007
this record doesn't sound as clean as i though it was going, particularly vocally (maybe if i had the cd it would sound better? i will be getting it soon enough). MtB's trajectory has been one of increased complexity and production values every time out. this is more complex and intricate, particularly with their new keyboardist, who seems more natural behind the synth than Bayles did. when it comes to increased production values, that's fine by me, nothing wrong with ultra-clean sounds if you use it right, which they usually do. increased complexity can be hard to swallow though, especially when the band was so good at writing a 3.5 minute pop/rock jam with some squiggly electronics augmenting the nice rhythms and lyrics about lakes, liquor and ladies. but overall it's a cool progression, and one worth going on with the band, i think.
i loved menos, although it had a few duds. this one doesn't always reach those highs but also doesn't really reach those lows, either...i think i prefer menos for now, but this is a solid addition to their catalog.
Posts: 171 | Location: Phoenix | Registered: 05 September 2004
