mattboyd23

I honestly tried several times to understand the popularity of this record among critics and after several listens I simply have to admit that I personally just don’t get it. I see why a mass audience would love this band’s sound–it’s simple, straightforward, melodic and urgent rock music with a lo-fi, retro touch which certainly pleases every traditionalist while also being modern and different enough to appeal to indie heads worldwide. It features some captive riffs ... read more

There's a subtlety to these lush but simultaneously intricate arrangements that makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes these songs stand out so much.

The arrangements seem simple at first - even minimalistic but a closer listen reveal a playfulness and a richness on details that is just astounding. Nothing tries to grab your attention too much and still it doesn't feel bland instead it ends up feeling absolutely organic; getting to the core of something a human can't put into words ... read more

For a commercial pop-rock album, this is actually quite ambitious - thematically and a few times even sonically.

Cook still occasionally succumbs to the sappy cliches of his pop-rock songwriter peers, however, it's actually forgiveable because his delivery never seems forced.

There's earnesty and urgency to it. When he sings that "he's so tired of feeling" or "that (memories of a faded love) still keep him awake" you actually believe this guy meant it. He at least sounds ... read more

A few interesting ideas throughout but unevenly incorporated into the otherwise straight-forward fuzz/psych rock songwriting.

There are some enjoyable moments here and there, however, it still ultimately fails to actually excite. Hardly motivates to anything more than subtle head nodding. It's a pity since songs like "Creature Feature" do show some future potential.

The singer definitely needs to expand his range as well.

People who are really into psych rock can listen in but ... read more