Visqueen Sunset On Dateland Lyrics

Seattle's Visqueen surged out of the gate with a 2003 debut that made its mark on the strength of frontwoman Rachel Flotard's nagging hooks, unaffected and direct lyrics, and engaging vocals. The second time around, Flotard tampers a tad with the earlier Visqueen formula, taking a bit more cryptic and world-weary lyrical tact while juicing up the production and instrumental attack at the expense of the debuts power-pop melodies. Like a punkier, less explicit Liz Phair, Flotard artfully explores the intricacies of relationships, albeit not always of the romantic variety. The trio mixes up the dynamic here and there, nodding to the Clash with the "Safe European Home" intro to "Manhattan" and putting on the breaks for "Houston." The changes of pace add color to a collection that's not as consistently vivid as its predecessor. --Steven Stolder