Silversun Pickups - Neck Of The Woods

While I skipped their last release, The SPs debut was a relatively pleasant throwback to the Smashing Pumpkins. "Lazy Eye" and "Melatonin" are good jams and I've seen the band put on a good show. But I'd be surprised if the dynamics of this band grow to make them a favorite though.

A couple of the songs on this new record, though, are expanding for the straight Alt.-Rock format and delving into programmed percussive elements. I assume that Radiohead is an influence, but that level of the game is clearly never accomplished. Actually, one of these, while one of the most boring tracks on the album is one of my favorites. "Here We Are (Chancer)" is stable, monotonous and recalls a VHIII track to me. But the bass line slinks around enough to sexy up a groove in a song where nothing else is moving.



On the other hand, another of these electro-tracks seems to be ripping off Depeche Mode. And not in an inspired-by-cool way. But rather a straight lifting of a melody and stylistic production. See if you don't agree.
The closing track, "Out Of Breath" is indicative of the entire record. It's got riffage, it's got promise. But the production is completely neutered, the lyrics too oblique and wasted. And if Brian Aubert's vocal range is a little limited, that doesn't excuse the lack of dynamics. One of the great parts of "Lazy Eye" was that as soon as you get complacent with the general groove, it explodes. There are no explosions - or even fireworks - in this neck of the woods. (2 of 5 stars)