Bookended by the infectious team of “Our Love…” and “…On the Run,” this third LP finds Nils, Amy and Paul in superfine form. “This City” clips along and doesn’t change up the acoustic/keys/insane drums formula the band is known for, and the nasal (in a good way) rasp/female coo vocal interplay is key. While lyrically it doesn’t pop out at you as much as the songs from past records Hometowns or Departing, it still delivers memorable tales. The dirty layers of “On the Rocks” are pretty great, and the rhythm of “54/33” will stick with you. Is it anything new? No. Is it just what you want from the band? Yes. 

Published in Volume 69, Number 4 of The Uniter (September 24, 2014)