A Place to Bury Strangers: Exploding Head

Label: Mute

People are acting like this band has drastically changed from its first album, when really all that happened was improved production. Granted, the indie claque that fetishizes murk is upset and claims this is less noisy, but really it’s just as noisy and now we can hear all the amazing guitar textures better. The Jesus and Mary Chain comparisons can still be drawn, but what makes this band special is that they seemingly absorbed all of the grittier dark post-punk styles (Joy Division, early Cure, early Psychedelic Furs, etc.) that cared more about atmosphere and lyrics and guitars than beats – it’s especially welcome that they don’t make the drums overly loud – and melded them into something new and imaginative, with hooks that help give each track an identity amid the squall. This is spectacularly good. (Steve)