In theory, this band is everything i hate about modern music. They are painfully scene, drenched in emo, and shout far too much. So why in god's name do i love them so much?
This is one of those albums that you really enjoy, and when you play it to people, you reaslise that the first time you listened to it, you thought it was a bit weird. So you turn into one of those babbling fools trying to justify falling in love with an album that someone else thinks is bizzare.
And i guess bizzare is a fair review, some tracks to boil down to tinny drums versus shouting, and the lyrics, although sometimes breathtakingly beautiful in an emo sort of way, are mostly odd ramblings which don't even have the common curtosy to rhyme.
the solid tracks, like 'Eighteen', 'Thirteen' and 'Nineteen', really show off this band's talent and can make or break your affections for this album.
If you can get over the fact that other people may look at you a bit funny when you put this on the hi-fi and say 'This track is a blinder' then you're in for an excellent treat. If, like some people, weird music, however mainstream, just doesn't do it for you, then maybe don't bother. But at least give it a try, because it truly is an exceptional album.