this is one of the better albums i have heard in the last year. actually the previous album that i found as enticing from the opening to closing track was by this same band, performing under their former name,the muslims. like their last lp, this one too has ten tracks that are all stellar and maybe now a little more accessible, melodic and catchy--though most maintain a frenzied edge that keeps the album from slipping into a pure pop affair. with their second offering i was forced to think about how this band is measuring up to some of my other favorites--and it is pretty favorably. not many bands have been able to put out two full albums that i like wholly from beginning to end. really only bands like nirvana, the white stripes the beatles, hendrix and pavemnent among a few others have managed to do so. that alone puts the soft pack among some elite company in my mind. plus i met them at a show in indianpolis and they were unbelievably cool, humble and friendly , that makes me like them even more.