Instrumental rockers Continental's third and final release (as of this writing the band is no more) delves deeper into the expansiveness only hinted at on their previous outings, and at points, especially on the epic "I and I Midnight Rendezvous," they venture into the space rock realms that always seemed their birth right. The album showcases an assuredness that only a band that has been together this long with no personnel changes (save the permanent addition of second guitarist Craig Escalante) can achieve, and captures them at their pinnacle. The material still reflects the band's languorous bent -- they are mostly content to occupy middle ground without resorting to the melodramatic sturm und drang tendencies of their more notorious post-rocking brethren, but this suits them, and in no way undermines the effectiveness of their distinctive textural and syncopated style. At times a slightly somber mood permeates this collection, perhaps foreshadowing the demise of the band, as well as the tragic post-recording death of their bass player Brent Kimble. But hope glimmers through too, as the album title suggests, and the tentative vocals on "August Ends" (sounding suspiciously like Daniel McKenzie, from compatriots
the Rum Diary, who produced a portion of the album) are in the end uplifting. Perhaps we haven't seen the last of these talented and underexposed San Francisco Bay Areans. ~ Brian Way