Causing A Catastrophe

he art of the live recording died in the early 70's. Very very few live albums since have had the same clarity and warmth that seemed de riguer in the 60's. This is a welcome exception.

The band is solid and clean live, and the production values on this are astounding, even more so when you consider they did it all themselves. Several new songs show up here and they are indicative of the direction the band is going with their next studio album (e.g. more well crafted songs with lyrics that will gel with a lot of people). Hopefully it will be out before too much longer.

Dominic and Fletcher are a solid rhythm section, freeing Rex and Cory to build complex guitar and keyboard sections that are colored with a carefully architected layer off effects. Brandon's vocals are confident and real, infusing the songs with immediacy and depth.

The older songs are all well executed, tight, clear, and performed with heart and conviction, the newer songs are refreshing and will make you look forward to the next studio album. Believe is an upbeat track about believing in yourself. Telling all the World another self affirming track in the context of relationships and wanting to make the world a better place. These are supplemented by a sublime cover of Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You".

Hot Spots: Telling All The World, Chloroform The One You Love, Coke, Smile, Execution By Christmas Lights, Beautiful.