ALBUM REVIEW: “Everything In Between” No Age

No Age is slated to release their third studio album, Everything In Between, from legendary indie label, Sub Pop Records on September 28. Expectations are no doubt high in light of the phenomenal, albeit belated, buzz surrounding 2008′s Nouns.

Often, comparing two sequential albums of any band is a little dangerous but in this case, Everything In Between is not grossly out-shined by its predecessor. Their latest album has the same playful, new-punk feel as Nouns with not much change in the formula. As the adage goes, if it ain’t broke…However, the question of how the band is evolving is a little troubling.

What changes we can hear with songs like “Glitter,” with its ethereal guitar distortion, and hand clapping back-beat, just remind you of another insanely overrated band (*cough* Phoenix), and fail to remind you of what No Age brings to the table in the first place. Redeeming moments are definitely heard in songs like “Life Prowler,” which appears in this beyond-creepy promo video, and “Fever Dreaming.” These are the songs that stick to the formula while exploring harder sounds, which is no easy feat. Usually adding a little weight to a band’s repertoire can collapse the whole system, and it seems No Age is taking it in stride.