The second full-length from the NZ alt-rockers plunges strong songcraft into mediocrity with an unimaginative sonic palette.
Vocalist Neill Fraser's lyrics are purposeful and merciless, both through substance and delivery, most obviously so on quasi-political first single Syria. An expectedly thick yet lifeless guitar/bass swamp gives way on occasion to some left-of-centre sounds, but a lacklustre vocal treatment sterilises any of the grit the instrumentation and lyrics work tirelessly to achieve.
Dedicated fans of the style will find their desires met but casual observers may suffer a from a little too much sonic deja vu, stifling the record's glimpses of true potential in escaping genre conventions.
