The two released after "Zoo" only received an 8.5 from here, as they veered off too far in a post-punk direction and lacked the punk side of that equation. Two songs into their new album, and it feels like they have returned to a more punk side of their past, which is a welcome return. They have never played it safe by being a by-the-books punk band, but punk is one genre that should throw whatever books are defining it out the window, making it more about the attitude. That said, they are done experimenting, as there is a funky groove and synths in "Madness" which still manges to retain its attitude and is a well-written song.I suppose it's done in a similar context as what Gang of Four used to do.
There is more of a rough jangle to "Dark Summer". The vocals are more melodic, but feel true to who they are. "Deep Down Where I Belong" has a punk heart to it but the sound gathered to convey this has an earlier New York post-punk feel. It is the most experimental song thus far. They still manage to keep up their momentum. 'Antenna" benefits from a great bass tone. "Justify' feels like they are comfortably occupying the space that Fugazi used to occupy. It's a space that needs feeling, so I certainly don't mind
"Death Destruction Mayhem" works off renewed punk energy that complements the tension of the palm-muted guitar.'10 Planets" finds them back grooving in a clanging Fugazi-like place that carries the needed urgency. Oddly, they close the album with one of the most melodic moments as "Paradise" finds the vocals pulling most of the weight. For a riff to send a song hypnotically drifting is an oddity for punk bands who are not the Cure. Overall everythinig falls right into place this time around and they pick up where they left off with "Zoo" making this one of the years bet punk album's so far .Iwill give it a 10 This album drops August 7th on Relapse Records.
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