LAND ANIMAL

3.5 stars. I just can't pull the trigger on 4 stars but I do feel this is an improvement on the previous album "Say So". Of course the standard when it comes to this band from Boston is their 2014 release called "Shiny Eyed Babes" and I really feel that can't be repeated considering the subject matter. They sort of tried that with "Say So" and it failed in my opinion. "Land Animal" has a theme to it apparently as the band looks at the modern human condition and while they are at it they take us back to where we evolved from the ocean(haha). Sorry I find evolution to be one of the most ridiculous subjects out there. Yup a big explosion caused what we see on Earth today(haha). Yeah it's a theory only and not a good one. Anyway I like the fact that they slow things down here at times, I like the atmosphere but I also miss the power from that 2014 release. Not big on the many light- hearted moments either. We get several guests adding violas, violins, cellos and a trumpet.

"Terror Bird" gets us started as a beat and guitar lead the way as the vocals join in. This will be contrasted with the more powerful vocal led sections. Check out those vocal melodies before 4 minutes. "Hole" has this rhythm that sort of starts and stops as the vocals join in. I like that powerful sound before 1 1/2 minutes with those insane vocal melodies.

"Holy Ghost" is a strange title for a song considering the subject matter. It's mellow to start with relaxed vocals before it starts to build. A catchy and bouncy sound arrives after 2 minutes with vocals, then back to that powerful sound from earlier. "Insides In" is quite laid back with reserved vocals at first. Strings before 2 minutes. A calm 3 minutes in before a powerful atmosphere kicks in just before 4 minutes. Love those vocal melodies after 5 minutes. We get an experimental ending.

"These Hands" has this catchy and simple melody as vocals join in. I like when she starts to sing with more passion. A feel good passage right here. She's singing even more powerfully before 3 minutes. A calm follows before it kicks back in. Another experimental ending. "Land Animal" is powerful to begin with along with some great sounding atmosphere. It settles with vocals a minute in. Not into this as contrasts continue. I do like the section 3 minutes in as it's quite powerful with vocals. Strings follow.

"Time Deer" is catchy with vocals contrasted with a feel good section also with vocals. There's always vocals(haha). Strings after 2 minutes then rumbling drums. The power is back 3 minutes in. "Belly Side Up" has intricate sounds and vocals to start. Strings will join in. I'm not into the multi- vocal sections. Hey some electric guitar after 3 minutes but it's brief. Some rare organ as well follows to the end.

"The Well" is light and humerous with vocals. I'm not into this at all. Some heavier sounds will eventually arrive, strings too. Some power after 4 minutes then back to the silliness. "Boxes" is easily my favourite track on here. What a change in sound though. Atmosphere and a beat to start as relaxed vocals join in. Man this sounds so good a minute in. Lots of space, a nice change of pace.

I enjoyed this album for the most part but this might be where I get off. "Shiny Eyed Babies" will always cause me to respect this band though.