Weird is the operative word when describing this album. Every song by this Indianapolis three-piece is a burst of hyper-kinetic indie-proggy freakdom with almost nonsensical guitar lines dancing around choppy but efficient drumming. The surprising thing about this record is really how good the songs actually are. It’s surprising because on first listen the structures seem almost nonexistent. But, like most great albums, the core of this music becomes revealed through repeated listens.

Smart lyrics and interesting vocal lines are what really hold these songs together. While the vocals are not the first thing you notice about Abner Trio, they are what make this record stand out. There really aren’t too many reference points when describing what this band sounds like. Parts of early Polvo and a little Three Mile Pilot come to mind, but really Abner Trio has a sound of their own. The brevity of the songs helps as well. While they do rely on lighting quick changes and mind-bending time signatures, they do not fall into an overblown prog trap. They show restraint by keeping the songs tight and never really giving into the jamming urge.

For all the weirdness, there are moments of great beauty throughout this album. Anyone with a taste for extremely off-kilter indie-pop should give this a listen. You will certainly be hearing something you haven’t heard before. – Larry Hess (2006, The Daily Copper)