Continuing in the direction of their previous release, Another One Lost, Baltimore-based Lake Trout's Not Them, You explores the genre of progressive post-rock (incorporated with elements of electronica, drum'n'bass, and even funk), with help from producers Tony Doogan (Mogwai, the Delgados) and... [+] Expand

Continuing in the direction of their previous release, Another One Lost, Baltimore-based Lake Trout's Not Them, You explores the genre of progressive post-rock (incorporated with elements of electronica, drum'n'bass, and even funk), with help from producers Tony Doogan (Mogwai, the Delgados) and Dave Fridmann (Mercury Rev, the Flaming Lips). The album doesn't isolate itself from listeners; however; the lyrics are comprehensible even if abstract. Singer Woody Ranere explores the meaning and price of success in modern society as well as the typical themes of love and loss, and his harmonies are interesting. The opening song, "Shiny Wrapper," sets the tone for the rest of the album: a driving bass, a reverb-heavy guitar, expressive lyrics and vocals, and a rhythm section that propels the music along, letting up (but just in volume) only during the more ambient breakdowns. There's also a sparse verse contrasted with a layered chorus and a built-up, powerful finale that ends in low notes and fuzz. It's a good song, and the band doesn't stray much from this pattern throughout the album, which is fine, because it works well for them. Where Lake Trout does move away from its pre-established model is where the strength of the band as a whole is apparent. "If I Can" has gorgeous orchestral-like accents, "Have You Ever" is the most radio-friendly of their pieces, with new wavey verses and a catchy, hum-in-your-head chorus, and the cover of the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" is excellent, keeping the intensity of the original while adding a heavier yet prettier element to it. But with even this diversity, all three songs coalesce well with the rest of the album, a strong piece of work from a band that continues to mature and produce interesting things, and a promising sign of what is still to come. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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