I have enjoyed the darker direction these guys have slid further down with each album. This time they are returning to their noise rock roots by lashing out as they open the album with a blistering hardcore banger. The drumming propels the second song in a more punk direction. This might not be as dark, but I appreciate the feel of the late 90s hard-core capture with the more melodic moments of "These Wires". They explode as necessary, but it has the dynamic range that hardcore these do not typically carry.
"We're Small Enough" is an interesting instrumental piece that blends synths with angular math rock that flows with haunting melodic grace. "I Cannot" has the scathing metallic chug that I want from these guys, This album feels like it is looking inside more whereas the last was a scathing sermon to society. They do gain enough sonic heft with this song to rival Converge's heavier moments.
"A Reluctant of Being" is darker, as it brings back the sax. There is a dissonant feel as it works off a droning feel. It does build into an angry chant, which shows dynamic range. Things get creepier with the inner turmoil vented on "He Was a Good Man, He Was a Taxpayer" It builds up into more deliberate anger than the previous song, but circles similar sonic ground. The sax returns for the last song which is a little more thoughtful, leaving a sonic spaciousness that is still more creeping than post-rock. I will give this album a 9 , I like that they are doing here, but prefer the darker direction of "Null" over this so while it's better than most, it's not their best .
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