Monte Carlo Method

On their first new full-length since 1994's Placeholders disc, California's Nothing Painted Blue returns with The Monte Carlo Method. Picking up where they left off, the band still excels at composing unexpected, quirky alterna-pop a la the Minutemen, the Feelies, and other similar bands. Vocalist Franklin Bruno still has a gift for unconventional lyric writing, utilizing the cut-and-paste approach (as heard on the track Collage Elements). Explorer Scout is comparable to Pavement, both musically and lyrically, while Cathexis, Niacin, and Off the Face are all power-pop delights. Fans of early-'80s new wave will be delighted with The Monte Carlo Method. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide