ALBUM REVIEW - Silversun Pickups - Neck Of The Woods

In gymnastics, it's not enough to attempt the most difficult routine on the uneven bars, Your execution must be impeccable, or the effort and risk is all for nothing.  With NECK OF THE WOODS, Silversun Pickups dazzle the listener with sonic flips and twists, and display large scale sweeps of power and grace.  They wobble a bit on the landing, but strut off the mat with two middle fingers thrust firmly in the air.

     This is the SP's 3rd full length album, and each album  gets progressively bigger in scale and scope as the band gets more comfortable with who they are and what the strive to be.  In interviews, frontman Brian Aubert says this album was inspired by horror movies.  The influence is palpable; it isn't hard to imagine each song pulsing in the background of your favorite slasher flicks.  However, this album is not a list of filler music. The tracks are character-driven, exhibiting a deeper range and depth of emotions than most 90 minute screenplays. I have much appreciation for NECK, as the SP's seem intent on focusing attention to the artistry and totality pf each song.  The shortest song, THE PIT, clocks in at 4:39; these are no radio friendly unit shifters.  Despite the extended song lengths, only one song drags to the finish line; the 5:37 GUN SHY SUNSHINE, which aappears to be the Pickups' attempt to incorporate a little electronica into their sound via the sticcato synth strikes of a lurking killer.

     The rest of the album's songs are full bodied. These songs are long because they have to be. Each is the full expression of thought and emotion through musical execution. Nothing is truncated. This just might be a challenge to the value meal pop-rock that seems to populate the airwaves today.

     *Sidenote: I know, the SP's sound very similar to another SP band, the Smashing Pumpkins.  Most people that have heard both groups undoubtedly will make the comparison, despite Aubert's assertion that their major sonic influence is My Bloody Valentine. Their body of work is similar to the Pumpkins through 3 albums as well, the difference being Billy Corgan's ambition, ego, and arrogance with MELLON COLLIE AND THE INFINITE SADNESS.  I enjoy the Pickups because of this difference, and inspite of this difference.

Silversun Pickups
Neck Of The Woods
8 May, 2012
Rock/Alt Rock

1. Skin Graph (89)
2. Make Believe (86)
3. Bloody Mary (97)
4. Busy Bees (81)
5. Here We Are (88)
6. Mean Spirits (95)
7. Simmer (94)
8. The Pit (92)
9. Dots And Dashes (90)
10. Gun Shy Sunshine (78)
11. Out Of Breath (94)

     NECK OF THE WOODS CAS =  89.45