I picked this disc up on a whim, based off one single I have heard on the radio. I was also familiar with their earlier breakout single 'Lazy Eye'. The album opens with a heavily distorted guitar riff, which sets the tone for most of the rest of the album. If you do not like your guitars thick and crunchy, Silversun Pickups is not for you.
The lead singer is a male, no matter what your ears may tell you. I remember when I first heard 'Lazy Eye' on the radio I asked my wife if she thought it was male or female, as I knew there was a woman in the band. We decided that it must be a female, with male backup. We were wrong. The singer's name is Brian Aubert. If the name doesn't convince you, he sports a beard in all of the videos I have seen. His vocals are instantly haunting, and definitely distinctive. Picture a mix between Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon) and Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. There is one point late in the second track ' The Royal We' that is very reminiscent of Cronin.
The first single from the album is 'Panic Switch', although I think they could have chosen any of the tracks at random and had just as much success. The album is solid from beginning to end. If I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be 'The Royal We' based on the stunning vocal performance of the song. 'Sort Of'" would be a close second, as I like the guitar work in that song. I have no problem listening to the album straight through, and have done so many times (much to my wife's chagrin).
This is the best overall album I have heard in quite awhile. If you have enjoyed any of Silversun Pickups' singles I wholeheartedly recommend this album. I picked it up at an independent store for less than $13 and have no regrets whatsoever.
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