Here's Where The Strings Come In

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. With <I>Here's Where the Strings Come In</I>, however, they've finally found a happy medium. This infectiously lively release has the punch of <I>No Pocky for Kitty</I> and the deeper lyrics and more complex musical arrangements of <I>Foolish</I> and <I>On the Mouth</I>. 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 on <I>Here's Where the Strings Come In</I>, 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 of <I>No Pocky</I>, this Superchunk album is a nice compromise between their hyperpunk beginnings and their later, more introspective buzz pop groove. <I>--Adem Tepedelen</I>