On this Western Massachusetts band's fifth LP, the group finally
cements its status as the American Teenage Fanclub. Like that
Scottish act, Joe Pernice and pals have released a disc that
sounds pretty much like all their other ones, with each tune
awash in impossibly catchy guitar hooks, lush keyboard parts,
and the occasional handclap. Likewise, Pernice uses his usual
soothingly sandpapery voice to offer bitter and confused lyrics,
making the most disquieting details ("She believes what doesn't
kill her/ Only takes more time to kill her") go down as smooth
as Häagen Dazs. And while there's still a couple Elvis Costello
moments in which Pernice jams so much characterization into
three minutes that you need CliffsNotes to keep up (see
"Microscopic View"), for the most part he embraces his inner
editor, and his songs are the better for it. Also, the playing
on "PCH One" and "Somerville" is so euphoric that it almost
takes the sting out of... More >>>