Band: Clues
Label: Constellation Records
Release: May 19, 2009

1. “Haarp” – 8.5
2. “Remember Severed Head” – 7.5
3. “Approach the Throne” – 8.4
4. “In The Dream” – 7.8
5. “You Have My Eyes Now” – 8.8
6. “Perfect Fit” – 7.6
7. “Elope” – 7.3
8. “Cave Mouth” – 7.9
9. “Crows” – 8.9
10. “Ledmonton” – 9.2
11. “Let’s Get Strong” – 9.4

Comments: A very eclectic band drawing influence from what seems like a myriad of styles, from hard rock to experimental to pop. In that, I feel a very strong sense of overload. There isn’t much consistency on this album, at least in the first eight songs. One minute can be light, up-beat outsider music while the next can be heavy screamo. This kind of uncertainty and unexpectedness turns me away from what potentially could be very good music. Some website allocated the title “Best Album of 2009” to Clues and I’m wondering how that could possibly be. There are some really quality tracks on here (the last three!), but there are some really really average ones too. If the first eight tracks were more like the last three, Clues would really be on to something.

Grade: 8.3