"When Did the Lights Go Out" starts with gently inspirational rock plus lots of violin; it's like
Pixie Carnation are aiming for something epic from the start. The track sets the tone for the rest of
New World Record. There are moments of unexpected surprises: the shift in tempo and arrangement toward the end of "Keep It Coming" actually gives it a big, warm conclusion instead of just continuing toward an end. Meanwhile, when the piano takes over from the guitars, the effect lends it a different kind of propulsion on songs like "Young and Free" and "Dreaming Still," matched on the latter with some lovely string work. The piano's prominence also gives "Easy Love," the album's conclusion, a suitably sentimental -- if still propulsive -- element to help send it all off, building up to a bigger version of the crisp chug that's been dominant throughout. ~ Ned Raggett