RuneWalsh2112 You would think that a band needed to put some extra effort into their follow up release but that's really not the case with "Fermi Paradox". This is pretty much a continuation of the sound from "Drake Equation", even if there are a few adjustments here and there.

The biggest difference comes due to a slight improvement in the sound department but it's really not as significant as the one that would take place on the next album. I'm actually pretty mixed about my opinion of "Fermi Paradox" which might explain why it's not among my top three favorite Tub Ring releases but that doesn't mean that I don't find it enjoyable! The main issue for me is that I just don't find the songs as memorable as on any of the other first four releases.

The style is still the same but it lacks memorable moments and the album eventually just drags on for way too long. Maybe it's not the overall length but rather the individual length of the tracks that is of actual concern to me, with many compositions beyond the 3-minute mark. Tub Ring would eventually adjust their songwriting style to a much more energetic and short song format which, in my opinion, suited them much better but that's a personal preference that I'm sure some fans would loudly object to.

In conclusion, "Fermi Paradox" is a nice piece of avant-garde metal that shifts its approach rapidly between the different styles all throughout the album while still upholding a melodic approach to the music. If you liked what I mentioned in the previous sentence then don't hesitate to give this one a go!

***** star songs: I Am The Robot (1:09) Invalid (3:54)

**** star songs: Future Was Free (3:20) Psychology Is B.S. (Not Science) (3:09) At The Seams (2:21) Fruit Of Knowledge (3:27) Hands (0:54) Negative One (3:25) Fall Back (2:36) The Subsequent Rating Given To The Life And Times Of Jack Valenti (3:16) The Way To Mars (5:36)

*** star songs: Living With Rene's Head (4:22) Panic The Digital (2:34)