On the Couch

I have to admit that I am facing a bit of writer’s block when it comes to this Neck Of The Woods. Why? I just don’t know exactly how I feel about it. Upon the first listen, all I could make out that the album is dramatically different from previous releases from Silversun Pickups.

Before I even get a chance to hear the first song, I notice that the album art is completely different from any thing before, which is a serious bummer. Swoon and Carnavas had beautiful inspiring album art. It was so cool that it was even reflected and reproduced on the tour t-shirts! Why ruin a good thing?

Neck Of The Woods has many songs with slower beats, which are cleaned up and can sound drum machiney. Many of the songs have a sort of classic metal feel to them, which I find slightly disturbing. I would like to offer a word of warning. The guitar work will get stuck in your head. It is simply astounding. Of course this is the Silversun Pickups so all of their songs have that wonderful spirit and pace that brings them alive.

Don’t expect there to be any great songs that become part of your soul for the rest of your life, like “Lazy Eye” or “Rusted Wheel.” The only song that comes close is their single “Bloody Mary.”

All in all this is still a quality driving album. I recently took a 3,000 mile driving trip and Neck Of The Woods helped me eat those miles. This album represents a bit of a change for the Silversun Pickups. It is still them, just with a bit of a change. Neck Of The Woods is an album that will take some time to grow on you. I fully plan a followup post detailing whether or not it has successfully grown or if I had to trim the verge.

Check out the first three songs. They are all of off the new album Neck Of The Woods. I personally enjoy “Bloody Mary” and “Dots and Dashes.”

Related articles

• Silversun Pickups – Neck of the Woods – recording process? (gearslutz.com)
• COED Jukebox: Silversun Pickups’ “Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)” [VIDEO] (coedmagazine.com)