Boston's
Dambuilders thankfully didn't conform themselves for the sake of their major-label debut. If anything, the opening moments of the grating "Copsucker" showed that they were ready to scream louder and rawer than they had in the past. The only noticeable change -- and a refreshing one at that -- is that the slightly polished production helps bring out the band's striking melodies and the tenderness in
Dave Derby's vocals (at their most inspired on "Smell"), which serves a wider assortment of dramatics than any of the band's previous compositions.
Joan Wasser's violin evolves as the primary rhythmic force, and the strength of her playing on the driving "Kill Haole Day" or the minor alternative radio hit "Shrine" assures that the strings will never be categorized simply as a modern rock novelty. Continuing their quest to write a song for every state, the band serves up "Delaware" and a slightly glossed over version of their former "Idaho." ~ Jason Kaufman