nowhere near the force and energy of their debut. the addition of a more pronounced and heavy bass, along with pointless "psych" effects, creates a "more is less" muddiness to the record, where their strength before was the lean aggression of their "less is more" approach. Carol's drumming is much more mechanical and restrained here, and Carlos lets the bass line carry the song instead of employing the full-bodied wall-of-guitar assault that was his previous style. ... read more

for a record that went platinum in only six months, this is remarkably forgettable. today Fastball manages to still chug along and release an album now and then, but they were forced into the big leagues by the strength of the single "The Way" and not because they were ready. they could have very well asked themselves in 1998: "where were they going without ever knowing the way?"

amazing. Sebastian Gainsborough has created a world-unto-itself soundscape that can only be described as symphonic glitch, far beyond the typical neuron destroying vacuity of standard IDM. all music is not art, but some music is. this is art.

Tracey Thorn's lush, gorgeous vocals layer perfectly on the meticulous arrangements of a masterfully produced record. jazzy pop and jangle pop all at once. simply a beautiful record. it's not a world-beater but it is quality and, unlike most of the "sophisti-pop" naff, it never overstays it's welcome. I could listen to this every day and not get tired of it.