Labels: Polyvinyl
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Oh god it’s the new Rainer Maria and I at last own one. I could write some stuff about it, but the truth be told – this is my =2nd favouritest band in the world (I can have lists if I like), so I am not exactly going to tell you it sucks. Even so, I haven’t seen a bad review of it yet. People keep saying: “well, it’s not perfect, and there’s bits that don’t seem quite right, but, but, I love it!”. Maybe that’s some of the inherrent appeal of this band – that they aren’t spot on all the time. Yup, the production is nice (an improvement on previous), yup the instrumentation is nice, yup the vocals are nice. And it all gels together fantastically, in a whirl of flawed emo indie rock beauty.
It’s not as dark sounding as the last album (though the occasional lyric begs to differ: “And I’m certain if I drive into those trees, it’d make less of a mess than you’ve made of me”), relying more on twinkly, sweet pop, or persistent, repetitious guitars that chime away, or even perhaps the occasional more driving track – “Breakfast of Champions” careens away at the start – and Kyle sings less too. The lyrics seem a bit more positive overall, though they are still exceptionally vulnerable, and poetic without being too obscure. I particularly love “Lost, Dropped & Cancelled” and “I’m Melting!” which are just awwwww-inspiring. But they do still do have those impeccable dual vocals from Kyle & Caithlin that just make you go. (just go). And “Feeling Neglected” could have quite easily been culled from “Past Worn Searching”.
First truly great album of 1999 for me. I know that it is going to be a long time before I press a combination of buttons other than “Direct + 3” on my CD remote when I am uncertain of what I want to hear next.
My only complaint? It’s not long enough. Caithlin could sing to me forever. I wouldn’t get bored. Repeat play mode anyone?