From the Rockin' Stroll-esque opener of Black Gown, we are instantly reminded just how good Evan Dando is. As the sole survivor of the original Boston punksters, Dando's voice is sounding mellower, like a really good tobacco. His new Lemonhead cohorts Bill Stevenson and Karl Alvarez are quite frankly awesome, and give Dando the power he really needs to compliment his voice and his fine guitar work.
Become the Enemy rocks in at track 2 - no pop here - this is serious grown up slacker rock. Pittsburgh trips by quite sweetly however, and you're soon on to Let's Just Laugh - certainly reminiscent of the last `Heads album, Car Button Cloth, rather than the more commercial sounding Shame About Ray. Again, the rhythm section are superb. The upbeat Poughkeepsie follows, and then there's the guaranteed future live classic of Rule of Three.
J Mascis joins the party for the excellent No Backbone, and then the slightly disturbing rock/country of Baby's Home. In Passing is more reminscent of Ray-era Lemonheads. Steve's Boy is an excellent Bill Stevenson composition and December could fit onto Lovey / Car Button Cloth comfortably - especially when it loses it's way in the middle with the classic Lemonheads "phone message" thing, only to come back round with a big chorus.
This album rocks. Welcome back Evan - we missed you.