On the Ones and Threes in Bloomington, MN

A decade went by without so much as a peep from
Versus
, and the underrated indie rockers' 2000 album seemed to be exactly what the title suggested: a last
Hurrah
. Sad for many, since this was a highly influential band of the '90s seemingly doomed to relative obscurity. Fortunately, though, in 2010, the original lineup reunited after amends were made between the
Baluyut
brothers
Edward
and
Richard
, who hadn't played together since 1996's
Secret Swingers
. Even more surprising than the long-delayed reunion, is how little the band has changed considering the amount of time that has passed. As '90s alt-rock finds a resurgence, it's a perfectly timed return. Album standouts
"Nu Skin,"
"Gone to Earth,"
"Erstwhile"
show off the sweet guy/girl interplay and clever harmonies between
Richard Baluyut
Fontaine Toups
, as well as the heavy dynamic shifts between mellow pop and raw guitar grunge. Even in the heavier moments, the album plays with a cool, unruffled composure that seems more easygoing than prior outings, making for a comfortable, welcome return. ~ Jason Lymangrover