A return to the half-studied, half-slipshod flair of , 's satisfying 1993 debut, saw the California trio consciously producing their songs a bit more (with help from producer ), and the result is a version of their trademarked sound that's much easier to love. the single in waiting, is practically a barnstormer after the narcoleptic flow of their late-'90s work, and it's much more polished as well. is another highlight, and up-tempo, but the slower material here works equally well. Jagged-edge guitars and shimmering cymbal work make a triumphal slow-grind , and the opener is another masterpiece of countrified, lazy-day . ~ John Bush