Talk about coy: the ' second album indicates no label, nor does it identify the bandmembers -- though the sketchy liner information does identify guest star producers (of ) and and ). In place of liner notes, the insert features a series of willfully strange watercolor paintings. If the band's music were similarly quirky and ambiguous, the album might be more annoying than engaging. But in fact, the ' brand of rock is so poppy and sweetly melodic that it borders, at times, on easy listening. Whether they mean it ironically or not, the inclusion of mellotrons, vibraphones, "dah-dah-dah" and "oooh-aaah" choruses, and at least one guitar solo that seems to be quoting from the song ends up feeling kind of kitschy, and while it's all quite enjoyable, you come away wondering how much of your enjoyment was actually arch amusement. Maybe it doesn't matter. sounds like with better hooks; with a softer center; sounds like what the might have sounded like if they'd spent a week listening to albums. All of it adds up to plenty of slightly self-conscious, but still genuine, pop fun. ~ Rick Anderson