Built To Spill - Ancient Melodies From The Future

Ancient Melodies Of The Future couldn't be a better title for the latest from Dough Martsch and crew (Scout Plouf and Brett Nelson plus some special guests). AMOTF starts off with "Strange," a track thats lead by keyboards by Sam Coomes (Quasi, Heatmiser), quite a depature from the immense guitar sounds that Built To Spill is typically known for. The first two minutes of this song is a good indication of what the entire album is like, played down guitars for the most part and a bit more of a laid back feel. Keep It Like A Secret came at you with full force by starting out with "The Plan" but here the powerful guitars take their time to show up, and then leave before crossing the five minute mark. They meander in and out of songs while the vocals lazily make their way through each verse into the chorus. This album on the whole is relaxing but not without it's impacting moments. "In Your Mind" takes on some classic Built to Spill attributes by pulling the listener along through the verses and once the second chorus has it, the guitar picks up and carries the rest of the song. The most interesting song on the album is definetly "Happiness" with it's repetitous and tongue-twisting lyrics. It has a rocked out country feel to it, due mostly to the combination of thumping drums and slide guitar. Doug Martsch has obviously grown up, and the whole tone of this album shows that he is writing melodies as an older wiser songwriter. He's still got all the talent he ever had, and definetly shows that his lyrical ability is up to par, especially on the acoustic song like "The Weather" a little love song written for whoever he pleases to write it to. If you own Keep It Like A Secret and that's all, you may be thrown off by the laid back feel of this album, but if you're an avid Built To Spill fan, you'll appreciate the songwriting and enjoy the songs - even if it takes you a few listens to fully discover. [www.builttospill.com]