On first listen this is way too long and the instrumental interludes feel less original and more derivative of epic fantasy nerd metal than they have in the past, which is a bummer. But the tracks that work are great and powerful as ever if not overlong in and of themselves.

I really want to root for Selway. His rhythms are a large part of what I love about Radiohead's discography. On his solo efforts, especially this most recent one, he sounds like he's trying to recreate the RH sound on his own; a feat even Thom Yorke can't achieve.

Efrim goes full on electronic and it pays off like gangbusters.

Unbelievably affecting, proto-GY!BE, mood-inducing love letter to joy and sorrow.

Some truly essential tracks on this one. And you've got to appreciate their willingness to fill the interim with low-fi, barely audible noise. Still not sure how I feel about "Independence" though.

Amazing live gig hampered by amateur tape recording. That last song, though.

Elements of Slint, Beta Band, Portishead, and the delayed reverbed feedback of Wilco’s A Ghost is Born. More than decent.

Some interesting ideas here that quickly become stale and generic as the record continues. AC, Actress, and Laurel Halo do some heavy lifting early on but it can't save this from becoming a dud in the second half. And as per usual, way too long.

Way too long (most records are) but you forgive this one because every track is a banger.

Amazing sound that suffers from it being repeated on every track. Not enough nuance on a first listen. But I'm sure I'm missing it. Definitely feels like a dense outing and would benefit from future listens.

Starts off feeling like Talking Heads, not reject tracks either, but solid songs Byrne would have been proud to write. The second half elevates to a higher level thanks to contributions from Fred Frith, Moebius, Harold Budd, Roedelius, etc.

For 2008 me, this was a masterwork. For 2023, middle-aged me, it's an enjoyable enough listen but like a Refn film; all flash, no substance. I still love it though.

Re-listened to this while walking through the Egyptian exhibit in the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Enhanced the viewing of the ancient artifacts exponentially.

Probably AC's most underrated studio album. A perfect blend of trance-inducing freak folk and electronics reverbed with room noise.