Unknown Country

seems to be the sound of a group of songwriters and performers who don't have the time or energy to dedicate to an album. For the most part, these 18 songs meander and squall randomly, showing little of the jangling, interesting charms found in the band members' full-time groups, and . is a supergroup gone sour. Making matters worse, there are a number of mind-numbing instrumental interludes that drag the album down. Highlights such as sound like lesser tracks from the artists' full-time bands. sounds like a B-side to a song from ' displays a heavy vibe. shows that had been following the work of artists; it sounds like gone New Zealand. might as well be on a bland day. The album couldn't be more unfocused. It's as if members of went into the studio with no ideas and simply toyed with sounds from their pasts and their peers, to no good effect. There's not an ounce of passion in the music. is littered with filler; it's a disappointing and difficult album. ~ Tim DiGravina