Sure the Beach Boys were huge, and there's more than a hint of them here, with harmonies and a lot of sonic experimentation. Lacking obvious singles, 'Future Shock' perhaps being an exception, 'In Reverse' generally meanders along without making too many loud noises - guitars backed up by the aforementioned trombone, trumpets and so on. Probably the most notable contribution is from Greg Leisz, on loan from kd Lang's band, adding pedal steel guitar and a few country edges. One caveat however. For a man that covered the Scooby Doo theme, Matthew Sweet is pretty downcast most of the time.
Every song is about a break-up of some kind.
It would be nice to hear him sing about trees, birds, or even driving his car. But you feel he'd rather get back to the love of his life and associated problems anyway. He seems that kind of guy.