The last time we reviewed these guys might have been 2014's "Turkish Leather" though I remember giving "Into the Water" a few spins, and it being pleasing to my ears, but you know how it is, there are only so many bands you can keep in regular rotation. The album opens in a manner that is not unexpected. The guitars feel like they are playing a larger role in the over all sound. The vocals are the same dead pan post-punk baritone, though more resonance than the Ian Curtis imitators. "My Trash Mind' has more swagger in it's cow-punk groove. It reminds me of 90s alt-rock that you might have found playing in the background of any horror movie. This is a good thing.
"Barely A Shadow' conforms to the formula of modern post-punk. It wanders by without anything to really make me take notice. They come back stronger on "Humiliation" with more interesting vocals, and ear grabbing guitar tones. Cure like synths haunt the background of the song. The programmed drums do not bother me when everything else is taking the focus away. Though at five albums in they are fully aware of what they need to do with the instrumentation they have to work with. He sings out more on "Goodnight Reason" which makes me wonder why he was not doing it on the other songs, but perhaps that is what makes it stand out.
"Tomb Room" proves that swagger alone does not a great song make. It's not a bad one just not the album's most focused moment. "Kneel for Instruction" works much better ,as it's groove feels more organic. The sounds are layered in a manner that allows the song to breath. The vocals croak behind the bass, but for what they are doing it's what fans expect. The vocals could stand to switch things up a little by this point in the album. Orville Peck might not have anything to worry about, but I do like the reverb heavy western guitar tones on this album. Given the title it makes sense that "Cauterize My Eyes" should have a heavier kick to it. The vocals are more screamed than sung which causes the lyrics to become obscured, but it works for the over all mood of the song. Overall this album works well for the band I will give it a 9.
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