Parts and Labor - "Nowheres Nigh"

Download: Parts and Labor - "Nowheres Nigh"
Download: Parts and Labor - "Fractured Skies"
Download: Parts and Labor - "A Great Divide"
Download: Parts and Labor - "Voltage"

The first piece of music from Parts and Labor after the departure of t drummer Christopher Weingarten, "Nowheres Nigh" finds the group taking more of straightforward, sing-songy direction, in contrast with their anarchic-but-still-melodic old material. Though there are delightful hints of a Bob Mould influence in "Nowheres Nigh", the track is unforgivably flat and unremarkable in the context of their older work. (Especially last year's Mapmaker, one of my favorite records of 2007, and one I listed as being the most creative albums as well). For contrast and comparison, I've included two MP3s from past releases, via the Parts and Labor website. Though a key change late the song provides some life, the way it is executed is utterly cliche (seriously, P&L are taking songwriting tips from Jessica Simpson?). Here's hoping that Recievers, the trio's upcoming record, is better than this song indicates.

Parts and Labor MySpace Page

(Jonathan Graef)