5 POPES

5 Popes is another good album by the under-appreciated (and under-known) instrumental Post Rock/Math Rock group, My Education. A cleaner, more forward and effected guitar sound graces this album and the drums are mixed as if 'in the music' instead of sounding like they were recorded in an isolation cube.

Favorite songs: the almost COCTEAU TWINS- (and CURE)-like and unusually relaxed and upbeat (for My Education) fifth song, "Deep Cut" (6:56) (13.75/15), and the powerful and very catchy/engaging "Crime Story" (9:02), the album's final song. (18/20) 2. "Lesson 3" (8:35) is almost humorous with the tape of student-elocution professor in the background but is notable for its great bass play and background barrel house piano. (17.5/20) 4. "Nightrider Meets the Waterfall" (7:30) relies a bit on the Cure's "Fascination Street" tempo and driving guitar and bass while using a bit of Kevin Shields' guitar effects. (13/15) The first song, "Concentration Waltz" is more like an étude--not very engaging. (12.5/15)

B/four stars; an excellent addition to any Post Rock lover's music collection.