Put simply, this is a confusing mix of popular rock radio in the US and80's pop music that somehow proves mostly irresistible. The first fewsongs have an undeniable rock feel to them that just seem a bit flat.When I first heard it I couldn't help but compare it to some US radiostaples but there is something extra that makes such a comparison justa little unfair: the song-writing is very strong and doesn't become oldafter just a few listens plus careful attention has been given toatmospherics and particulars. The smallest sounds make all thedifference as they are given the chance to rise above the anthem-likechoruses and drilling guitars. After the first two tracks and swam by,"How Far Is Too Far?" sweeps and dives into the air by way of chuggingbass playing and symphonic string arrangements. It's a catchy andaddictive tune and I'd be cheating it out if I didn't mention howpretty it is. Maus are very good at marrying the catchy with thesubstantial and for the most part, they strike a good balance betweenthe two on each track. The lyrics are a nice cross between thedramatic, the romantic, and the inquistive: though many of the wordsseem to revolve around a significant other, emotional revolt, orpersonal identity, there's a nice smattering of the surreal and strangehere and there. Though I can't listen to the album multiple times in arow without getting a little bored, there are times when the melodies,rhythms, and lyrics are all stuck in my head and simply won't leaveuntil I listen to the music. And so I must obey and jam out to Musickuntil it becomes just a little too sweet for me. I find that listeningto the first half of the album and coming back to the second half lateris helpful. This music isn't what I typically listen to but I can'tdeny that small doses of it here and there are a lot of fun. samples:
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