"Trepanation Party," y'all:
The production is fantastic. The drums and bass sound great even on shitty laptop speakers! mmm, Voxtrot bass, how I've missed you. Plus I adore the totally-80's-yet-still-fresh-sounding synth. Not as instantly catchy as most of their canon, and certainly a little darker, but it's bound to make it into my most-played rotation. It's also their longest track to date, which you do start to feel by the end. I agree with Stereogum's take, it's like a modern Cure. Ramesh Stristava certainly has a lot of feelings, almost as many as Robert Smith I'd wager.
Granted, this track comes after a two year hiatus. And ever since I discovered them last year (and became obsessed over the summer) I've been absolutely desperate for something new (and the chance to see them live). So I don't know if I dig the track because of that alone, or because it is actually a great track. Maybe a combination of the two.
Now I just need them to come to New York, so I can adore them live. (I've heard one questionable report that they are no good live, particularly Ramesh's vocals, but i refuse to believe. A testament to the strength of my love?)
