TWENTY PILLS WITHOUT WATER

A substantial return to form. After the willfully experimental noodling of "Frosting" (fun to create, I'm sure, somewhat less so to listen to), and the determinedly different "You Know What They Mean", this is a far more focused and coherent effort. It feels like the absence of the more avant-garde influences previously present in the band have resulted in a slightly more mainstream, but ultimately far more listenable and enjoyable set of songs. The Python-esque "Cowboy" aside, there are tunes and inventive production a-plenty here, with the implausibly titled "Big Bagel Manifesto" in particular standing out as a potential classic, full of lush chord changes and virtuoso vocal beauty.