A six-song EP that turned out to be the last thing the group recorded before its first split-up, Take It Back once again features Zientara and Mackaye helping the band record. Turner sounds a lot more high-pitched and frenetic this time around, downright breathless at points, which unfortunately takes away a bit from the impact of the overall performance, making it more generic. "4 A.M." is the exception and is all the better for it, Turner sounding passionate without shredding his voice to bits too much. Musically, though, things are still ripping right along, this time around with a rawer edge -- some of Haggerty's explosive solos are just amazing. "Take It Back" is the best of the bunch in that regard, huge and uplifting, but the concluding "Head" is also noteworthy, with an extended coda that alternates between smash-and-bash and psychedelic zone-out.
© Ned Raggett /TiVo