9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Cue From Camus, October 1, 1998
This review is from: Aperture (Audio CD)
The third full-length release from this Nebraskan (!) band defines its modus operandi: an ironic blending of emotional, personal lyrics and tight, deceptively melodic guitar pop. Such a simplistic description, however, runs the risk of doing the band a disservice. Melodic, yes; but within those gorgeous melodies the high, distant and gentle vocals treat everything from disillusionment in a personal relationship ("Don't Do Me Any Favors"), bittersweet existential resignation ("Today Today")and even the recording industry itself ("Spent") with cool detatchment. Unlike the Smiths' Morrissey (whose self pity turns upon itself into parody) or even Joy Division (who chronicled a steady and inevitible descent into self-destruction), For Against's very detatchment is precisely what makes them such compelling listening. After the bands's second release "December," half of For Against split. The remainder regrouped and without missing a beat released this paeon to hope without hope, faith without illusion. For Against: it is the struggle which counts.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
