A truly superb album from start to finish. This is not an in your face instant lov-it type of album, it is subtle but astounding. After a few listens you really start to appreciate the simple songwriting style of this ex-Propagandhi bassist - this couldn't be further from there music, probably why he left the band to concentrate on this band. This is their debut and in my opinion the best of there albums mixing some upbeat catchy college indie influenced tunes such as "wellingtons wednesdays" (notice the New Order lyrical homage) and the superb "anchorless" with more downbeat, yet truly beautiful songs from opener "illustrated bible stories for children" to the title track album closer. But what really makes this band and this album really standout is the lyrical brilliance of songwriter John Samson. You have to listen to understand!!
I think there later albums go a bit too much down the mellow, acoustic route, whereas this album has the perfect mix of up- and down-beat songs. Hard to pigeonhole, but thats always a good thing - its beautiful music that will leave you with lingering feelings of sadness, wonder, happiness and whatever else music should make you feel.