As the title of their third studio effort plainly indicates, have grown up significantly since the release of their last album, , in 2004. In retrospect, they'll admit that more than a year's break was needed between the release of their multi-platinum debut and its follow-up; their commercial prospects took a dive, and the youthful optimism which shone through their early work as bright as the Pacific Coast sun was broken beyond repair. Their music still recalls a uniquely American stable of songwriters -- , -- but it's no accident that the influence of Manchester idols has emerged more strongly than before. Winding -like guitar lines add a sense of melancholy to the brighter sounds of piano, acoustic guitar and mandolin, while the rhythm section has beefed itself up considerably, rendering the opening paring of and among the most aggressive tracks in the band's repertoire. Frontman has finally repaid the faith placed in him by longtime fan , reaching a level of introspectiveness and brutal honesty scarcely imaginable on previous albums. sounds as if it could have emerged from 's sessions, as repeatedly proclaims "I envy your youth" to the backdrop of slide guitar and sparse, unyielding piano chords. The album was recorded in a converted morgue in one of Vancouver's most deprived neighborhoods -- at the suggestion of -- and the image of youthful idealism meeting cold reality is too perfect to ignore. It's a good thing too; adversity has brought out the best in , and can stand as the group's crowning glory to date. ~ Dave Donnelly