Following up 12 Rods' 1998 debut, the Minneapolis band has returned bolstered by the surprisingly unobtrusive production and mentoring of Todd Rundgren, no stranger to mixing rock, electronics, and studio trickery. But rather than pushing the band toward more sonic experimentation, Rundgren has lightened the load, enabling the band to make a leaner, more concise collection of pop songs.
"Kaboom" sounds like the spittin' image of a track from the archives of Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey's db's--propulsive, energetic pop that's full of change-ups and as clever as it is well-conceived. From there, as on the debut, the influences are decidedly more British. Like XTC's latter releases, the dense, full instrumentation of "Astrogimp" seems intent on cramming far more information into one song than is necessary.
The light pop of "Radioactive" and the appropriately airy "I Think I'm Flying" are welcome changes of pace. But it's the wispy, space cabaret feel of "Your Secret's Safe With Me" and "Rock 'n' Roll Band" that will seep into your mind. Great stuff. "You Gotta Go" recalls the Rods' first record, catching your ear with interesting sounds and adding Crimson/Buford-like melodies--but is more finely tuned. And just to show they've got a sense of humor, the disc ends with "Glad It's Over."
All recordings courtesy of V2 Music. All songs courtesy of Music of V2 America, Inc., administered by BMG Songs, Inc. (ASCAP). "What Has Happened" and "Glad That ItΓÇÖs Over" written by R. Olcott; "Marionette" written by R. Olcott, E. Olcott.
