Over the years this band continues to grow on me, as each album finds them evolving in a manner that continues to fine-tune their garage pop. This time around the stage is set on the opening track which feels like poppy and carries more of an indie rock jangle. There is less of a garage rock feel, and it feels like a lost classic from the early days of California punk. Despite this band not being from California. "Hard to Love" finds an androgynous quality blanketing the way Balla and Kempf's voices are intertwined Overdriven bass gives "Mood Ring" a bit of backbone before they off into a weird John Water's flavored take on 1950s pop. The jangle of guitars returns in a big way on "Necklace" which feels more like the Velvet Underground to me.
'Alien" is a breezy pop contemplation on what makes Emily an outsider and feel more like an alien. This is also a point in the album where the vocal production really pops off. 'Light On" is the first song that does not connect with me, it does not feel as vocally focused as what they deliver on "Pure Gold" that follows. Lyrically this album seems to be lighter in tone, and there is a summer vibe to the overall mood of the album. "Dist B" is more atmospheric, but flows with the same easy quality, as Kempf's vocals work well over the surreal dance beneath her. "So Good" is hopefully moody in its contemplation.
"Don't Look Down" is another Balla song that might be tighter in its intentions than "Light On", but there is something about it that does not measure up to the other songs. Perhaps it just needs to grow on me, though I typically prefer it when Kempf is on the mic. "Knife" serves as an example of why I might have this preference. Though Emily's vocals on this album are sung in an alto that is more androgynous. This creates an almost post-punk feel to "Shake". "Magician' finds them locked into what is their most effective use of their voices and instruments. The Beach Boys meets Velvet Underground sound is in full effect on "Forget". Then finds them at their most dense guitar shimmer. I will give this album a 9.5, and see how it grows on, me so far it might be the band's best.Out on Fat Possum.
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