Mission of Burma: The Sound the Speed the Light

Label: Matador

Last time out we were just happy they were back (while noting that the best tracks were written pre-reunion). The stakes are higher here, and the guys come through with a ferocious, far superior set of tunes. This is primarily because they’ve gotten back to their distinctive rhythmic impetus – not at first, because opener “1, 2, 3, Partyy!” is modernized and standardized to make an ironic point (and includes the great lines “Drink only when drunken to” and “Accidental genius trumps all”), but with “Possession” Peter Prescott lays down that familiar staggering beat and all the old virtues click into place. All three main guys contribute songs, so there’s a fair amount of variety of voices and songwriting styles on what, to me, is now their real comeback album, the one where they don’t just reunite, but create anew at their old level. (Steve)