is inevitably the band that comes to mind about 30 seconds into 's second album, 2004's . Pummeling riffs, start-stop arrangements, double kick-drums, and both barks and clean vocal harmonies are all spun together through a dizzying maelstrom of technology, and, really, all the listener can do is hang on for dear life. Of course, that's not to say their experiments are successful from the start. In fact, initial offerings like and obviously forced first single (its infectiously melodic chorus tries a little too hard to please) are overwrought and overlong (curiously, a problem that afflicts , too), and one can't help but wish a minute or two had been lopped off for better results. Sure enough, hits its stride with a trio of more contained, outstanding tracks shortly thereafter: wins the struggle between accessibility and inventiveness where had failed; the robotic narration and other assorted voices tormenting make for a truly schizophrenic experience; and the opposing forces tearing at (bruising guitar riffs here, deeply woven harmonies evocative of there) make it one of the record's best, most cleverly realized compositions. Mixed results follow, with yet another undisputable highlight called preceding a final shock remake of 's which is, if nothing else, curiously entertaining. Overall, this is a very solid offering with definite flaws, yes, but also much promise for this risk-taking band's future. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia