The songwriting here does have a maturer edge than on FNM's debut, but I think the vocal delivery is actually much worse as a result. I don't know how, but at least on the debut album the vocals were somewhat effective, even if they didn't quite match up to the instrumental performance. Here they just sound...lazy for the most part, for want of a better description. As for the songs, it's mostly a decent affair, but there are a few fillers which, if expanded upon and pumped up a little with more musical gusto, could have been more effective to the listener. Nonetheless, the title track, "Chinese Arithmetic" and the lengthier "The Crab Song" all make up for the album's flaws and retain a little of the interest.

It´s better than the first record, for sure. Still not a fan of the vocal work.

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve listened to this album. Brilliant form start to finish, and I’m a total sucker for Chuck’s vocals - a partied out California punk vibe which is weirdly stirring. As I say, I love this from start to finish but the last three songs never fail to blow me away