RuneWalsh2112 Even though it took me quite some time to begin exploring Tub Ring's earlier releases, their full-length debut album turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences! Produced by Mr. Bungle guitarist Trey Spruance after noting the great talent of Rob Kleiner, this is easily one of the band's most experimental releases. Still, it's first and foremost a Tub Ring release so fans of their later albums will definitely be able to recognize and enjoy "Drake Equation" just as much, if not more than, as their other output.

It's really difficult to explain what exactly makes a good Tub Ring release since I'm sure that we all have our own criteria. Personally, I always get hooked on creative songwriting and there are enough of these spectacular moments all throughout the album. The band constantly shifts gears and keeps the listener on the edge of the seat from the beginning and all the way until "Numbers", which marks a slightly more traditional approach to music. Come "Downloading Satan" and we fall back into complete madness! This short composition is also notable for sampling the sound of the telephone modem, which brings nostalgia to my ears even though it has been only a bit more than a decade since I used one of them myself.

The albums slowly becomes less chaotic towards its end with compositions like "No More Refills" and especially "God Hates Astronauts", which is a slight disappointment for me after such a magnificent side one. Luckily, it's still more than enough to award this album a solid rating of excellence and a strong recommendation to anyone who has not yet heard a single Tub Ring release!

***** star songs: Bite The Wax Tadpole (5:06) Faster (3:44) Bernard's Three Awakenings (1:59)

**** star songs: Where's the Robot? (1:13) Good Food: Happy Family (4:03) Numbers (4:52) Downloading Satan (1:34) In The Future (3:58) No More Refills (4:24) She's The Pro (3:00)

*** star songs: God Hates Astronauts (5:18) Unknown (5:07)