debut album had high expectations swirling around it, and not just because the band featured the half of the who didn't become ( , and ). With the addition of former guitarist and production by , a lot of heavyweight names in the Pacific Northwest experimental rock/punk scene were affiliated with the project. That makes the downright melodic catchiness of opening track -- which chugs along like a long-lost track -- that much more surprising (and a pretty punk statement, in its own way). The band spends the first half of the album defying any other expectations fans might have about being 2.0. makes the most of the oddly introspective quality to voice, draping it over surreal phrases like "birthmark to the burning witch" and surrounding it with choral backing vocals, while takes the band into slow, spacious territory they never would have explored in their previous incarnation. However, approach still has a few roots in their past life. Given that the rhythm section formed the group, it's not a total shock that boasts sturdier, more prominent grooves and structures; likewise, voice was always the implosive cool to white-hot shrieks. Many of these songs have an undeniably poppy feel that is also largely uncharted territory for members, even if they're delivered with more force than many indie bands could muster. grind makes a nice contrast to its lilting melody, saxophone-driven dance-punk is equally weird and catchy, and reveals an odd surf fetish, with tremolo guitars and warped harmonies. don't get around to unleashing their full fury until second half, when they serve up a streak of songs that are nearly as fiery as the used to be, like the brash and brassy which spans moments of dead calm and some very convincing yelps from . Though it's a little perverse for the band to bury its explosive moments, it proves that there's more to than rehashing the legacy. They're still finding their footing on , but they're going interesting places. ~ Heather Phares