The album is reminiscent of Paul's Boutique lyrically, and it moves from the fat grooves of Check Your Head through the Ill Communication dub fun into new territory musically. I think of Check Your Head and Paul's for these. The track eight comes quietly, like some of the second half of Ill Communication . But just when you thought they were completely reinventing themselves, they jump back to their old styles, with pure DJ action on track 12 and straight out of Ill Communication on track 14. Yes, this album is like a Beastie coaster ride, but its like one of those that's in the dark, like Space Mountain.
Every song is a surprising turn or twist, and every one is enjoyable.
Overall, this could be their best album yet. The first few albums from this emo band always left me with an unfinished feeling. As I'd sit there listening, I knew that what I was hearing was almost just beautiful. First I didn't like the guitar sound they were going for. Then, and more importantly, I didn't like the vocal style at all.