Deciding to scale back the overly pretty sound on while experimenting with more accessibility -- -- ended up creating their best album since . From the start, is simply fantastic: on 's inimitable guitar work chimes leading a low-key but forceful rhythm, while 's grand bass work fleshes it out. simply captivates; her vocals are the clearest, most direct they've ever been, purring with energy and life. Many songs have longer openings and closings; rather than crashing fully into a song and then quickly ending, instead the trio carefully builds up and eases back. These songs are still quite focused, though, almost sounding like they were recorded live instead of being assembled in the studio. Due credit has to be given to ' drum programming; years of working with the machines translated into the detailed work here, right down to the fills. starting with an ominous bass throb, turns into a lovely showcase for 's singing and 's more restrained playing. But don't completely turn their back on 's sound; has the same lush feeling and a newfound energy -- the instrumental break is almost a rave-up! -- and everything pulses to a fine conclusion. There are many moments of sheer beauty and power, including the title track, with its great chorus, and two spotlight solos: a powerful number building to a rushing conclusion, and the album-ending Possessing the same climactic sense of drama past disc-closers as and it's a perfect way to end a perfect album. ~ Ned Raggett