Ingleside Terrace in Bloomington, MN

To call the second full-length from
French Toast
a departure would be an understatement. To say the least. From the first few bars of the opening track,
"The Letter,"
this almost feels like a totally different band. While the addition of
Ben Gilligan
probably has a lot to do with the development, the elements that made their debut a solid ride are still in the fore, suggesting a band that -- regardless of member additions -- is progressing rather than resting. While the debut
In a Cave
was a stark, early-'80s-mood-meets-21st-century-approach affair,
Ingleside Terrace
feels like a jump through time. Elements of
Pavement
's brand of melody, late-'80s American underground
rock
, and more recent
electronic
styling all mixed together result in a playful, driving
rock & roll
record that manages to add fuel to the argument that nothing beats a power trio. While
sidled up to the more chill and distant aspects of
new wave
and
post-punk
,
-- in both its production sensibility and songwriting -- takes that and adds a bit of swagger, a bit of soul. If
(perhaps purposely) felt like a small room,
feels like moving landscapes and wide horizons. An impressive follow-up to an impressive debut. ~ Christopher M. True