Demented band comes out of therapy with 'Pact'

That's odd, Therapy? didn't used to sound like Captain Beefheart mixed with Danzig. Nevertheless, that's how "He's Not that Kind of Girl" kicks off this album. Catchy and twisted (and no, not in the Dr. Demento sort of way), the group seems to have returned to a sound more in touch with their earlier work. There's more insanity and less love songs than on Therapy?'s last two albums - not that the love songs were all that sane mind you, but there wasn't quite so much along the lines of "Hey baby I dig your scars/ They think you're smart but I think you're kinda stupid."

At the same time, Therapy? isn't quite as nuts as they used to be. The album title, also the chorus of "Little Tongues First," should show you that. Not so self destructive, or maybe just not as self deluded as the themes of their previous output, the group seems to be less fearful and more full of loathing. See, for example, "Hate Kill Destroy," the title of which is pretty self-explanatory.

That's not just a thematic effect, either. "Suicide Pact - You First" is a bold change for the group sonically. The sound of most of the album is almost unrecognizable as a Therapy? record. It's almost a paean to various styles of rock 'n' roll. "Almost" in that the effect is subliminal; there's nothing by and large to put your finger on to identify a specific era of guitar groups. There's just something about a song like "Jam Jar Jail" that recalls some sort of indie crossover into the mainstream, something that got a lot of radio play for a season and then disappeared back into its subculture, only to arise again when Therapy? somehow incorporated it into the warp and woof of their newest musical structure.

There are still some remnants of the almost somber character of the last two releases on "Suicide Pact"; "Six Mile Water" plays almost like a slightly melodic dirge. "God Kicks" is quite depressing, but explores new areas of implosive sound and slit throat vocals. But the album as a whole does not indulge in a single minded emotional state.

That turns out to be a flaw in the disc. The album is schizophrenic in the emotional gear-shifts between tracks. By apparently trying to keep the album moving, individual songs end up clashing with each other, almost interrupting the listener. Hopefully time will excuse this by having Therapy?'s next album emerge as another emotional extreme. This middle ground is OK, but the sound is better when uniformly manic or depressive.