Repetition

Unwound's fifth record is yet another masterpiece of perfectly sculpted aural chaos. The rhythm section creates sublimely looping, mesmerizing rhythms for guitarist/vocalist Justin Trosper to scrape his guitar across in jagged slashes or deliberate, well-placed riffs. As with Sonic Youth, the rhythm section is the musical anchor. Bassist Vern Rumsey and drummer Sara Lund are the band's unsung heroes, and together they create a hospitable musical atmosphere for Trosper's unique guitar attack. But what makes Unwound (again, like Sonic Youth) so immeasurably great is their ability to mix sly, subtle melody into their rather amelodic songforms. Repetition is as varied as anything Unwound has previously done, incorporating keyboards, saxophone, and even a dub tune, and it certainly moves this amazing trio a step closer to their destiny as Sonic Youth's West Coast equals. --Adem Tepedelen