The one studio album put out over its career, boldly aimed to stand out as an album and achieved its goal with style and power. With tips of the hat to everyone from early-'70s and aggro to the later song-smashings of , isn't an out-and-out masterpiece, but comes awfully close. If anything, the comparisons at the time of release to resulted from the label association -- as a singer, had a lighter tone than , while 's bass is hardly trying to clone 's inimitable surge. is certainly a dark, moody experience though, and turned out to be as crucial for setting a sonic mood for as did for . Given the similar influences, the best contemporary band to draw comparisons to might be early , but with much less and more general melancholy. The mix is often thick, echoing, and understated, only coming up for air with some instruments at times, if at all. Consider where the brisk drum hits lead the way as the guitar, bass, and especially quietly lurk beneath, forcing attention more closely onto them as a result. in general has some lyrics perhaps too readily calling to mind "lost in the wilderness" scenarios already becoming cliched, but his restrained, dreamlike delivery makes them work better than a flat, declamatory style. Even the occasional wails are set back, strange and curious to hear. Song titles -- -- further heighten the dark, almost mood. Call it if one wants, but there's more going on here than Batcave-inspired shenanigans. Later CD reissues included the and singles as bonus tracks. ~ Ned Raggett