This is much better than I thought it was going to be. It's definitely better than OMNI, but comes across to me as an amalgam of POI + bits of Menos + the better parts of OMNI. Aside from some really contrived lyrics in some spots (Listing being particularly cheesy), this is pretty much the same MTB with a few new tricks up their sleeve, while silencing some of the bitchy old-schoolers; Toska in particular should satisfy anyone who thought Dave Knudson forgot how to play guitar, Diamond Lightning competes with their very best material, and Cold Company ranks with Lotus and 5 Guitar Band as one of their all-time best epic closers. The hooks are more refined and catchier than ever, and MTB seems to have nailed that sweet spot between pop and proggy indie rock experimentation that eluded them on OMNI. If a criticism can be labelled to it, it's the band's simply not writing songs of Pachuca Sunrise/Monkey!Knife!Fight/Drilling caliber like they used to. It's hard seeing this top their first three records, but still a great album.
As someone who preordered I am disappointed that I did after hearing this leak. Its Omni
part 2. Oh well back to listening to electric rainbow over and over.
The problem with this album is there really isn't any song that I can't hear a better
version of on Planet of Ice or Highly refined pirates. Its just worse versions of older
songs, even Cold Company.
Infinity Overhead keep a persistent groove that has an undeniable charm while not having the poignancy they obtained so well on their last albums. Minus the Bear isn't breaking any new ground, but they sure as hell sound like they are having fun trying.
I didn't find anything in the album overall stood out. A few twinkles of some nice synth sounds sprinkled out helped diverse this from being a pretty generic sounding rock record with some really bland vocal recording in my opinion. I felt the piano and keyboards stood out to me most but nothing else really did anything. There are beautiful moments like the track 'Listing', 'Lonely Gun' and 'Empty Party Rooms' but for me, there was nothing that ignited a grin on my face. 'Lonely Gun' is definitely worth hearing.
Omni Pt. 2... yes, it's a little better but not by much. I just can't get over how much potential they have yet they choose to write pop songs with no substance.
Take some time off, smoke something and then listen to Toska on repeat. You wont notice how one single song fades to one magnificent opus and how five minutes become fifty. Before you are finally able to close the player or your eyes, you're on Mars. Lost in space. Literally.
