IT'S A LOVE CULT

1. "Überwagner or a Billion Bubbles in My Mind" (5:36) deep 60s psychedelia with great drumming. (8.5/10)

2. "Circles" (4:00) The album's highlight. Previewing the softer side of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. (9.25/10)

3. "Neverland" (4:01) previewing the heavier version of Motorpsycho that will (re-)surface at the end of the decade. Never realized how influenced by 60s bands like The Doors and Argent these guys are. (8.5/10)

4. "This Otherness" (6:31) Sounds a bit like Neil Young/CSN&Y in their rock'n'roll/rockabilly glory. Beautiful voice in the lead. (8.5/10)

5. "Carousel" (7:16) orchestration? Why aren't they credited as they were on Pheranothyme? Sounds like this one was inspired by LED ZEPPELIN's "The Rain Song". Suffers a little from a weak vocal melody not matching up well with the acoustic guitar and orchestration. The ramped up finale is good. (12.75/15)

6. "What If..." (4:16) A little too much like a theme song to a 1960s game show--until the searing lead guitar shows up. Lots of horn embellishments. Intricately constructed but just lacks cohesion and engaging melody. (8.25/10)

7. "The Mirror and the Lie" (6:43) gentle and beautiful, this is another Motorpsycho song that reminds me of their Swedish compatriots, BROTHER APE (a group that has a real gift for producing endless earworm melodies). In the final quarter it feels as if a fantastical dream sequence is being played out. Quite magical. Another top three song for me. (13/10)

8. "Serpentine" (5:17) sounds like a happy-go-lucky pop song from the 70s--like Harry Nilsson, Andy Partridge lite, or FreddeGredde. (8.25/10)

9. "Custer's Last Stand (One More Daemon)" (4:06) trying very hard to incorporate some stereotypic "Indian" musical themes, this RADIOHEAD-like song has a lead vocal that is a little oddly paired with the music. I like the drumming--the way they're recorded--on this one. (8.5/10)

10. "Composite Head" (2:26) weird, almost-PRINCE-like start turns quickly into a variation on THE BEATLES' "Paperback Rider"--with twin Allman Brothers-like guitars. (4.25/5)

Total Time: 50:12

So many instruments, so little time! Maybe a little too scattered.

C/3.5 stars; a nice addition but totally non-essential; nice if you're a fan of the band.

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