Liars: s/t

Label: Mute

Liars have their hardcore fans, no doubt, the ones who enthusiastically gobble up every release. But to many others, the band is an acquired taste. The band hit pay dirt on this self-titled release, and that taste was suddenly acquired in delectable droves. Maybe it’s just that after you’ve done the noise/repetition thing for a while, the urge to stretch out stylistically is irresistible (see also: Oneida). Liars continue to elevate their music to new levels on their latest, in effect consolidating their earlier dance-punk angularity with their recent art-skronk while stripping away all superfluity. It’s a very New York album, right down to the Sonic Youth-ish guitar sound that occasionally oozes from the cracks but also shows a lot of variety. The tracks are more focused and concentrated too – downright catchy on “Freak Out.” (Steve)