Change

Well, it’s probably evident from the title of the album, but this is a way different beast from the Dismemberment Plan we’re used to hearing. It’s post-rock, arty-punk, but in a more conventional format. Electronica influences are definitely still there, but if you’re looking for the spastic freakouts of yore, this ain’t the place to be – there are tons of subtle undercurrents swimming about in these songs and things bubbling just below the surface, the songs have congealed into a more focused whole this time around. Less shouting and screaming, more actual singing. Less frantic and energetic than in the past, more restrained – a logical extension of “Emergency & I.” The Plan gets a little moody, quieter and calmer. Introspective, dare I even say mature? One of those albums that needs repeated listening, as there aren’t many grab you by the scruff of your neck super-catchy anthems. Would work well in a downtempo indie / post-rock set. My picks: 2, 4, 9, 11

1. Driving bass line, but quiet. Oddly soothing midtempo sonic landscapes with vaguely electronica drum machine-like rythmns.Almost drumbox-like percussion. Male vocals. Haunting melody, the typical odd lyrics. Midtempo, with atmospheric effects.
2. More upbeat, uptempo, driving bass lines. Long, sustained vocal liness. Chorus is more driving but not out screaming. Lonely. Catchy melodies.
3. Uptempo, sustained organ notes. Nervous but with beautiful melody lines, soothing. Great lyrics. Slowly builds up, haunting.
4. More on the punky side. loud guitars with build up and down. a little frantic. catchy and moves along nicely. dense. Driving, louder, upbeat, more frantic. More manic, catchy, punky.
6. The rocking song, with more traditional guitar lines. A little bit of fun chaos in the beginning. Edgy. Uptempo, moves between loud and soft. Manic building up and back down.
9. Plaintive, arresting, sad. Repetitive guitars, with single male vocal line. Midtempo.
11. Tour-de-force, slick, quirky poppy song with organ and effects. Almost lighthearted. Reminiscent of video game music beeps and blips! Goes on for almost forever. Play this one. Please?