This came out in 1999 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Let’s face it: Musicians like to show off.
These days, it seems especially true in the proggy arena of math-rock. Thing is, some of these arty acts just don’t get it. They seem more concerned with mastering the weirdest possible time signature and key changes instead of writing the best song. Thankfully, June Of 44 aren’t in this group. Their bass-heavy post-rock has all the program’s required elements — jagged angularity, wonky guitar arpeggios, intricate drumwork. But it’s their form that win points. Their refreshing, off-the-cuff style has all the garage-rock immediacy of Pavement, suggesting JO44 are paying more attention to feeling and atmosphere than precision and proficiency. In other words, they get it.
