While bands like Battles and Dungen are still being innovative and, more importantly, interesting, Parts & Labor have run out of ideas, becoming repetitive throughout the execution of Mapmaker.

The instrumentation is a complex mixture of folk instruments which work together to create a dense array of sound.

From the phobia of hospitals to the semi-vacant observations of the "artsy" nature of a porno flick, the Saps deliver their punk-funk message with a tap-your-feet-happy tempo.

At times, weak lyrics and the abundance of clichés are troubling; however, Ramesh's cool voice and the band's tight instrumentation combat lyrical flaws.

As cool as it is for "Making Love" to see a second life, it is rather disappointing that it does not come with any extras.

It's primarily instrumental, but with some kind of humming or background vocals on most of the tracks. This gives the album a unique flavor - sort of a mix of French soundtrack music and the lighter side of Chicago post-rock.

Guitars dominate, but in an improvised, Interstellar Overdrive sort of way (in fact, the spirit of early Pink Floyd lurks among the drone and creative percussion of "Clear Cut"), leaving the blazingly off-kilter rhythm section to do oddly interesting things.

Electrelane is an all-girl four-piece rock band, and this is their love song. What is immediately catchy is Verity Susman's hopeless tone in her vocals. The failed love and awkward desperation are so relatable, realistic, and accurate, the lyrics read like a diary.

Three Pieces wanders between atmosphere and thrash, the three members providing a formidable aural assault.

While the occasional finger-picked acoustic guitar comes through crystal clear, every other instrument is drenched in echo, including Scott Vitt's everyman vocals.

The band chooses its battles wisely as, for once, marimbas and vibes are used apporpriately.

Apparently, "twee" is "known for simple, sweet melodies and lyrics, often combined with jangling guitars."