Unwound, Challenge For A Civilized Society (Kill Rock Stars) 9-
I've been a fan of Unwound since 1993 when Fake Train rocked my post-punk world like Nirvana could have but didn't, and Fugazi used to but wouldn't. Like Fugazi, these formerly concise rockers have stretched out into increasingly abstract instrumental noodling, the vocals more obtuse and buried. Is it just me or does everyone want to be King Crimson? Unwound's evolution seems to have coincided with the rise and stagnation of "math rock." This seemed to be an excuse for a myriad of bands to steal ideas from perfectly decent bands like Slint and Seam, and water them down with lazy playing and listless, passionless vocals. Unwound still makes the cut becuase they ARE passionate, and they are one of the best at what they do. They have done a fine job in progressing from album to album, but are teetering close to edge of boring "progressive" math rock. After six albums, one can't blame a band for running a little short on ideas and energy. To my ears, the touches of horns and harmonium are merely cosmetic. The album is a decent bookend to a great body of work. But I expect so much more from them.
