YERSELF IS STEAM

David Baker era on lead vocals so Jonathan Donahue kind of taking a back seat and helping The Flaming lips at the same time. A different album but not at all bad. Psychedelic, frenzied and manic experimental rock sums up the album as a whole. But it is a good debut from this Buffalo band. David Baker either got fired or disappeared after this release and his fate is not known to this reviewer but his voice was very distinct and different to Donahue's. Overall highlights for this album would be the dark and scary ' Blue and Black', not for the fainthearted as they stretch all notes to the max. ' Chasing A bee' is excellent as is the experimental and cleverly titled ' Very Sleepy Rivers'. IMO this album is better than the highly acclaimed Boces ( Not sure what all the fuss is about there) and it makes for pleasant listening. Avoid trying to nod off to sleep though with this album because it has too many eery and weird hooks that will prevent any rest recovery with Morpheus. Three stars as it is a good start for a solid outfit.