Five years after the release of “Ancient Melodies Of The Future,” indie-stalwarts Built To Spill have returned with “You In Reverse,” a collection of songs that is more then able to stand next to the best work in the band’s catalogue. From the opener “Goin’ Against Your Mind” it is clear that five years was time well spent for Doug Martsch and company. Exploding with a slice of psych-pop, the 8-plus minute song eventually settles into a spacey, folk-influenced groove where sheets of noise push and pull against delicate, glittering, melodies, before picking back up with a furious guitar strum giving way to verse that started the song.
Mixing the bands key influences – indie-heroes of guitar rock like Pavement and Dinosaur Jr. with elements of the eccentric psychdelia of the Flaming Lips, with a inimitable sound Built To Spill have garnered a loyal cult following and a lot of critical acclaim and “You In Reverse” proves why. While the songs, and the band, feels more mature then prior work it is far from a middle-aged album. Tracks like “Traces” that heavily feature acoustic guitar and seem like straight-forward autumnal numbers, are layered with smart songwriting and meticulous musical crafting that make sure the songs never become complacent with themselves.
Elsewhere, “Conventional Wisdom,” is a rocker with guitar that is heavily reminiscent of J. Mascis’ best work in Dinosaur Jr, proving that Built To Spill is far from settled down. “Saturday” is a down-tempo number where guitar takes a back seat a strong, pulsing, rhythm section that allows Martsch’s voice to shine through. Perhaps what is most impressive about “You In Reverse” is the way that the songs are allowed to breathe, without ever getting out of hand. Almost every song is over four minutes, three of them over six, and yet there is rarely a dull moment. Each song rolls out at its own speed and takes a life of its own. The creative and tight rhythm section meshes with Martsch’s lyrical, spiraling guitar leads, which are then accented by second and third guitars that transform each song into a small journey of its own.
With such an impressive catalogue there is no way to unanimously decide where “You In Reverse” will end up in the ranking of Built To Spill’s career but it is certainly fit to stand amongst their best work. “You In Reverse” is the type of album that will not only satisfy longtime fans but it feels important enough that it could launch Built To Spill into the same category as the legendary indie bands that they are often compared to.
