I'd just like to throw in my 8 cents as to why I think the new Autumns album is their best yet.
I have always been an avid supporter of Angel Pool (their first album), but when I fully delved into the new Self-Titled album, it was so clear how much better the band is now. It's imparetive that the world hear the Autumns. They are sliding under the microscope, and it saddens me only from the standpoint that they are eeking along. I mean I talked to one of the members in late 2003 after a show at Club Violaine (LA's only Etheral/Dream Pop Club), and he was basically saying hopefully the album will be out by Spring (No Funds!)
Here is my review of the new album (found at Rateyourmusic.com, under my profile with the same username as i have here):
"The Autumns have finally returned with more blissful pop mixed with Space Rock for me to suckle my tongue over.
I didn't like this album at first...it was a change...a change I did not expect...but with years passing...and members changing...I should have been more prepared.
The Cure has almost been dismissed from the mix, and the Autumns now stand alone...making Rock Music that is still beautiful...and oh so power based. "The End" demonstrates the belting of epics that I swear upon by this album. Crissman still sounds like a maritime Robert Smith with a Yale education, and the band still creates moments of perpetual sound walls, but the songs change and are heard more clearly than ever before. The second track "Hush, Plain Girls" waltz's for awhile while building large enough to break into Space Rock all the while still possessing blissful pop overtones. "Deathly Little Girls" reminds me of Jeff Buckley, before it bursts into an Explosions in the Sky type furry.
There are instrumental tunes that sort of hint at pop romance of Le Carlion, but stand alone evident of the Autumns new direction. "Every Sunday Sky" and "Slumberdoll" provide the hook at the right time...the fist reminiscing 80's pop, and the second possessing elements of a power rock jam.
"Wish Stars" immediately throws you into its whirlwind flat spin eventually reaching height unsustainable and finally disintegrates.
"Cattleys" is possibly my favorite track on the album. It's laced with direct tender lyrics about longing for someone on an exact night. The song reminds me of some of their earlier guitar work on Angel Pool but clearer.
Enough with the praise.
The best album to date by the Autumns, however...still not enough of an achievement to get the Worlds notice. For whatever reason, people need a unanimous 5 star album to pay attention to this band. "