Here's Where The Strings Come In
In their two previous releases, Superchunk seemed to suffer from a lack of direction. Their newfound musical maturity had them abandoning the catchy anthems of their early records and smoothing out all their jagged edges and lovable imperfections. WithHere's Where the Strings Come In, however, they've finally found a happy medium. This infectiously lively release has the punch ofNo Pocky for Kittyand the deeper lyrics and more complex musical arrangements ofFoolishandOn the Mouth. The band doesn't need to rely on the simplistic three-chord explosions that used to be its trademark; instead, it has focused its musical energy on creating mature, moody guitar pop that, while not lacking in passion, is expressive in a wider variety of ways. Guitarist/vocalist Mac McCaughan has written some fine songs onHere's Where the Strings Come In, and he convincingly delivers them in that perpetually adolescent wail that still cracks when strained. Though some of the tunes are serious and angst-ridden, rarely does the pace drag, and the midtempo monotony that plagued some previous albums is thankfully absent. Though it may not have the same pogo-inspiring energy ofNo Pocky, this Superchunk album is a nice compromise between their hyperpunk beginnings and their later, more introspective buzz pop groove.--Adem Tepedelen