Originally published in Verbicide issue #5

For people who like to think of albums as concepts, check out the nerve of these guys.  In 10 tracks we’re going to cover texture, structure, and moods.  What were they thinking?  The answer is plenty — this is a smart album, and it really does approach a concept album in the channeled sound that they achieve.

Unfortunately, the vocals tend to distract from what the music is trying to build; “Dead Ringer” is at its best when the vocals go away and a flute comes in.  Even worse, I haven’t the slightest idea where the name Fin Fang Foom comes from, and that’s too abstract for what is ultimately a modernist cut.  It’s obvious that these guys consider themselves artists, the linear notes declare that this was “documented” in 2001, as opposed to recorded.  This is the band’s debut album, and for their sophomore effort, I’d like to hear more of the direction of “Crying, But Without Tears”; the biggest weakness is the reliance on the morose emotions.

(Lovitt Records, PO Box 248, Arlington, VA 22210)