Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Regular Cross Rhythms radio listeners will know that this band's debut 'Blueprint For A Black Market' was a much played favourite, showing this US band adept at developing cogent songs exploring pain and dysfunction, complete with jagged, distorted guitars and thunderous rhythms but never forgetting strong, radio-friendly hooks. Producer/engineer Aaron Sprinkle ensures that this set too has plenty for radio listeners to get their teeth into though don't expect the weird instrumental "A Heavy Hearted Work Of Staggering Genius" (too short) or the meandering epic "Dance, Dance, Christa Paffgen" (too long) to make many playlists. But when singer Stephen Christiansen surges into the call-and-response chorus of the title track or soars along with some delicious harmonies on "A Day Late" the effect is thoroughly convincing. Seldom has art rock worn such an accessible sheen.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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