Negative Positive
Title: Plaid - Spokes
Review: Curious album, this. SPOKES does suggest a return to their Black Dog days, as you're lulled by the vocal ambience of "Even Spring" before the rhythm comes in. But what made the Black Dog unique is the way their songs constantly morphed and took on new shapes. "Crumax Bins" is hypnotic but doesn't develop as much. Same with "Upona" -- beautiful set-up, not much of a conclusion. There's a certain density to other tracks: "Zeal" and "Cedar City" are full of sound and texture. It's all mesmerizing and harmonious, but oftentimes disappears into the ether. The jaunty "Get What You Give" does make a strong impression, however, with its instrumentation. "Quick Emix" closes the album with the same weaknesses and strengths that appear elsewhere. Still a worthwhile album, even if it fails to scale the heights that it should have.
Is the review positive or negative? 