Experimental post-punkers Arab Strap are back with a more biting commentary on the world around them. It might be marginally more brooding, and the tension within the grooves is sometimes driven by a more electronic pulse that can be heard on "Bliss". When the album starts off there is a fresh feel to their more original take on a style of music not far removed from what Depeche Mode did. The difference is that they lack a crooner like Dave Gahan who can breathe new emotion into each song with his voice. Instead what they have is a more spoken narrative. This can cast a more uniform feel to the songs.
The drum pattern to "Sociometer Blues" creates a unique rhythmic backdrop for them to experiment. Even though the drum programming slows things down for "Hide Your Fires", the spoken vocals get a little tiresome. They are not sonically removed from the National in some ways, but Matt Berninger is a better singer. "Summer Season" is mellower in its reflection, but the vocals have now crossed over into tedium despite his efforts to sing more. Lyrically I can appreciate what they going for, but I need more dynamics vocally.
"Molehills" works better for his voice. Musically it's darker and more introspective which is what his style of singing needs. There is a droney simmer that is more sonically effective. The comparison to the National might be perhaps the most warranted on "Strawberry Moon". The song's best thing is offering some dynamic contrast between the verses and the chorus. "You're Not There" tries to work more of a mood, that leans into more of a sound than making something that feels more like a song that goes somewhere meaningful. "Haven't You Hear" is also another song that borders being another the National tribute, but is less hooky and focused.
"Safe and Well" is more of a folk ballad. It focuses on his hushed vocal approach but highlights his weaknesses as a singer. Halfway into the song, it is still meandering around pondering its existence. "Drag Queen" makes a little more of an effort in terms of dynamics, but the spoken word verses feel like they have already gone to that well too many times. The closing ballad works better than most of the songs on this album as it climaxes into a more post-rock crescendo which this album needs more of. I will give this album an 8, I like the mood they are going for the vocals are often not my thing.
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