The last studio release from
String Driven Thing is a disappointing affair, with just enough flashes of creativity to remind you of the band's potential. The psychedelic aspects of the band are almost gone, replaced with a boogie and straight-ahead rock stance, and the electric violin is a less prominent part of their sound than previously. There are a few gems even so, such as the cynical "Starving in the Tropics" and the rollicking "But I Do." The Latin-flavored jam version of
the Beatles' "Things We Said Today" is an interesting stylistic departure for the band, and even if it isn't entirely successful, it's a nice change of pace. As usual, the slow numbers drag thanks to unimaginative arrangements, even though the lyrics are good -- neither of the band's frontmen were compelling enough to pull off these songs. On the whole, it's a sad end for a group that had moments of genuine brilliance, but could never make a consistently entertaining album. ~ Richard Foss