Burgess Shale
It's Never Enough, Is It?

(Skeptical)

First Appeared in The Music Box, December 2004, Volume 11, #12

Written by Brad Podray

Burgess Shale’s debut can be summed up in one word: Fantastic. Within the first few seconds of its opening track No Duh, the group makes a supreme statement that everything that follows will be an abstract tour de force. Though delivered at a deliberative pace, the song contains an undeniable energy, and simply put, it demands to be heard. Dusted with electronic effects and coated in strong, melodic sentiments, the album’s music swirls around the listener like a restrained tempest as each tune builds upon the momentum gained by its predecessor. Gleaming with satire, the subject matter of the band’s lyrics ranges from national politics to the trivialities of modern family life, shifting from the vague humor of My Lost Ostrich to Butt Crack Blues’ distinct commentary on youth culture. There are hints of both They Might Be Giants and Radiohead drifting through the collective’s compositions, and although the album isn’t overly angst-filled or edgy, it’s definitely too complex for the standard, run-of-the-mill pop audience. All things considered, It’s Never Enough, Is It? is a terrific album from a group that isn’t likely to toil in obscurity for very long. ½

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Ratings

1 Star:   Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2004 The Music Box