Music I've Listened To: "Swoon," by Silversun Pickups

This is an album that needs a few listens in order to pick up all of its subtleties and nuances.

Yeah I know, we're not exactly talking Pink Floyd-ish layers of ingenuity and instrumental depth here, but there's still some surprising stuff underneath what some might dismiss as another 90s alt. revival album from the Silversun Pickups.

Whereas 'Carnavas' seemed a little calmer, a little quieter, and a little more like the band standing on the edge of a cliff ready to dive into greatness, 'Swoon' is them taking the plunge and experimenting more with their already impressive abilities. The songs are faster, more upbeat, and they take bigger risks (the inclusion of strings and piano on tracks is a head scratcher and a delight all at once). "There's No Secrets This Year" was a great choice for a first track--It sets up the album and makes a decleration of growth for the band. It's quicker on the uptake and a little jarring when compared to the previous album's tracks (even the edgier ones) but it tells the listener what to expect.

True musical experimentation begins on the track "Panic Switch," but don't worry: There's plenty of what makes the band great to go around. Heavy riffs and long solos, strong bass lines that lurk below everything else, and the grating, earnest vocals that range from downright melodic to strained, desperate shouting. There's no filler here--Just some great music to let wash over you.

Go Download: "Surrounded (or spiraling)," "There's No Secrets This Year"

4/5 starxx