I've always been partial to June Of 44's more dreamy, softer side - songs like "I Get My Kicks For You" and "Arms Over Arteries" immediately come to mind from past albums. However, once Four Great Points opens with "Of Information And Belief", their most contemplative guitar lines yet come oozing out. True, FGP is probably their 'softest' album - yet it is the better for this. The clash of ambient, experimental pieces like "Air #17", "Lifted Bells", and "Doomsday" work well with the artful rockers "Cut Your Face" and "Does Your Heart Beat Slower". The real standout, the track that the whole album seems to be building up towards, is the drum-less "Shadow Pugilist" (one of JO44's best songs). Overall, the drumming and chord changes get jazzier, the vocals become more pronounced, and the emphasis on soundscape is heavy. Lyrically, Sean Meadows and Jeff Mueller move their focus from sea to land, weaving stories of interstates, the belly of Texas, billboards, and 'black holes in the Midwest' together to much enjoyment.
2 Bumps | Bump |
