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is unfortunately a textbook example of a horrible sophomore slump. The first single, the sunny, stomping
"Blue Skies"
is absolutely excellent -- and potentially the band's best song -- but it's also the only thing worth owning on this entire release. Most of the album plods along without much purpose; the songs aren't catchy or aggressive, or even interesting. Instead of continuing to explore their debut's dark sonic territory,
is all over the place; the band's brightest and darkest songs all make appearances and the final product is a mess.
Longpigs
have also picked up on the slower side of trip-hop and techno, letting it rule, rather than accentuate, their material. From such an excellent guitar-pop band, this is obviously a mistake; it gives most of the songs a directionless, bland feel. Sadly, this is a dour affair from an otherwise superb band. ~ Jason Damas