Sound: Up-tempo indie-rock with a bright, jittery jangle. Synths and organs regularly add atmospheric texture, along with cameos by cello, vibraphone and harmonica.
Vocals: Jeremy Bolen’s poetic, lyrical barrages affect an artiness that mostly cuts above the mix, but occasionally drifts back in hushed or achy tones.
Heavy Rotation track: “Water Planes In Snow”
Medium Rotation tracks: “This Harness Can’t Ride Anything”; “Islands Sink“; “We’ve Got to Keep Running”; “Mansioned”
Explicit Lyrics*: none
Recommended: If you like your music cerebral and obtuse, but in a head-bobbing, easy-to-swallow package. The first half of the album is significantly stronger than the second half.
Grade: B (1st half = A-; 2nd half = C+)

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* Noting of explicit lyrics is for the benefit of radio music directors or anyone else that needs/wants to keep their music FCC-friendly.