Wheat

Being dropped by their label after a duration of about 20 minutes in 2003 obviously rattled Wheat’s confidence a little when it came to recording a follow-up record. This, the Boston fuzz-pop trio’s fourth album, seems like such a reaction against the glossy sheen of their last effort that, at times, it sounds like they’re deliberately trying not to sing in tune. Still, among all the background hiss and experimental tape-loop tomfoolery sits one particular song, called ‘I Had Angels Watching Over Me’, that’ll still be considered one of this year’s prettiest come December 31. Otherwise file this under ‘disappointing’.

Pat Long

4 out of 10