ON their latest album, Liars have managed to find an occasionally winning combination of their previous work, complete with an MTV-ready hit.
The opening blast of 'Plaster Casts of Everything' recalls Muse at their most angst-ridden, while giving the listen
er a few hooks to ease themselves into the album.
Closely followed is the more experimental beat-laden approach of 'Houseclouds'. Here we see a more restrained, but equally effective way of getting the band's gloom across.
It's what Kasabian would sound like if they focussed more on the tunes and less on the image.
The aptly titled 'Freak Out' is a soaring and melodic track that Interpol would be proud of, boasting some exceptional bass work, and proves the album's highlight.
Another up-tempo number called 'Clear Island' helps us towards the end, with some guest rapping complimenting the riffing.
However, there is more unnecessary experimentation to test the patience, with 'The Dumb in the Rain' having nothing of note, save for some inaudible mumblings buried under a cacophony of tuneless guitar.
The attempted epic closer is almost achieved with 'Protection', and the electronics are put to good use.
Sadly, this is not an album to be listened to from start to finish, unless you are a fan of the unusual.
There are enough listener-friendly moments here however, to reel in a few new casual fans.
