Helping themselves to the same jar of candy that
the Flaming Lips munch on for inspiration,
Lazarus poignantly lament the demise of the American dream. To great effect, they use a wide range of instrumentation to bring forth pleasantly wistful textures, a technique that works to their advantage throughout without being overbearing. There are also moments of contemplation that wouldn't be out of place on an
Elliott Smith record. It's a world apart from
William Trevor Montgomery's droning, ethereal workouts as a member of
Tarentel, a credit to the versatility of
Montgomery's musicianship and further proof that
Lazarus have crafted one of the more brooding, beautiful records of 2004. ~ Rob Theakston
