Sound: A more electronic and more experimental version of Hüsker Dü, in both the scrappy and furious post-punk style and the forceful vibrato in the vocals. Drums assault at a blistering pace, synthesizers blip, swell and grind, and tangible hooks rise above the cacophony. When they mellow a little, they conjure a noisier version of early R.E.M. with some abstract indie rock anthems.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “New Crimes”; “Vision of Repair”; “Brighter Days”; “King of the Hill”
Medium Rotation tracks: The rest
Recommended: Parts & Labor’s pummeling rhythms and avant-garde sounds may be off-putting to some. But the way they diligently attack their music and pump it up with memorable melodies makes this one of the standout albums of the year.
Grade: A- (Top 20 Albums of 2007 Candidate)

Listen to Tracks/Buy Music:
On iTunes
On barnesandnoble.com