The first 35 seconds of the opener “Shampoo” feature an acoustic guitar wrapped in feedback and unidentifiable hissing and stretching of strings before the drums and organ kick in. It’s a wonderful moment and the effect is delightfully disorientating. And that same sense of off-balance wonder stretches across the rest of this fine recording. The lyrical themes are often dark, but they are buoyed by lively melodies and clever arrangements. The horns are an especially supple touch on “Send My Fond Regards to Lonelyville” (where it sounds like a Dixieland band marched through the studio during the take), the excellent “Chains, Chains, Chains” and the joyous romp of “Doomsday.” Great use of pump organ, clarinet, harmonium, and upright bass all lend genuine warmth to the music. And Perkins’ emotive and unusual singing voice warbles, yelps, and trills for the just the right dramatic effect. This eponymous sophomore release is a real pleasure and one that signals a load of possibilities for this talented quartet.