Summer is almost here, and with it has come the new Built To Spill album You in Reverse, bringing all the fun of amusement parks, fireworks, and water slides via guitar histrionics.

Don’t trust me? Understandable, given the slightly disappointing last album Ancient Melodies of the Future. Hell, everything I’ve heard since Perfect From Now On has been a let down in one way or another. But I come bearing good news from the speakers of my tiny used car: the sound is good and loud, full of all the splendors a summer album can bring.

First of all, the guitars… what good would a Built To Spill album be without them? You in Reverse has chock full: Doug Martsch is at his psychedelic, flangy best here, and it just don’t stop. “Conventional Wisdom” holds the best guitar lines on the album, as it keeps the pace following opener “Goin’ Against your Mind,” which kicks off the show with an urgency that can only be matched by a song like “Randy Described Eternity” off of Perfect From Now On.

Most tracks extend beyond the six-minute mark, stretching off into neverland with delay, reverb, and guitar noises playing tricks with your mind (indie guitarists will be scratching their heads once again). Which is all good and dandy, albeit expected with Mr. Martsch being the specialist in this field and all… I admit, though, that after a while it can be a bit tedious if you’re not in the mood to listen to passage after passage of guitar solos.

However, there is a consistency on You in Reverse. I don’t know if it was the band’s intention, but it’s there. The album is thick, full, and stretches on with the intent to lose one’s self in the music.

I love summertime, and I love Perfect From Now On. After listening to You in Reverse, I can safely say it’s their best work since said classic album. The summer and this new platter are going to go nicely together.
www.builttospill.com
www.warnerbrosrecords.com

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Ryan Harig

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 Past Constructive Criticism

cobra kia posted the following Constructive Criticism: listen dude, i think this is a good album. I've was waiting for this album to drop for years. But in no way is it better than keep it like a secret, thier masterpiece, or perfect from now on for the matter.