Album Review: Silversun Pickups - Neck Of The Woods

When the single, Skin Graph, came with news of Silversun Pickups' impending third record, the LA quartet's signature light vs thick guitar exchanges were certainly still evident, though an uncustomary production sheen and lack of gusto proved an immediate anticipation killer. Whilst far from crap, it just doesn't come close to the expectation generated by Carnovas (2006) and Swoon (2009), which were respectively launched by the huge, fuzz-ridden energy of singles Future Foe Scenarios and Panic Switch. And so it goes for the rest of the album.

Tidying up the dirty garage to find room for further experimentation into samples and sound manipulation on the likes of Here We Are (Chancer), the fuzz isn't the only thing to be largely lost. Brian Aubert's vocal used to be desperate; anguished and imperfect, the hint that he might erupt at any moment was precisely the appeal. On The Pit, he sounds amusingly like Per Gessle of Roxette; add a bit more synth and their reflective down moment could indeed be the Swedish power pop outfit, by way of Garbage and Joy Division. The heavy groove of Mean Spirits compensates somewhat until an effect-drenched chorus of “I love to play and singalong” introduces thoughts of Def Leppard. 

Closer, Out Of Breath, stitches together sections of patient rhythm and soaring vocals from Aubert with the outfit's classic bass and guitar double act and breathy backups from bassist Nikki Monninger. It encapsulates the progression expected of Silversun Pickups, but it's just not enough. There's little desperation to delight in across Neck Of The Woods, though perhaps newcomers will appreciate the introduction and enjoy working backwards through the catalogue.