Three-Four

A compilation of three previously released EPs ("Carrier," "Sickening Bridge," "Variegated"), "Three-Four" will be something that the die-hard fans of the Shipping News will not have much of an interest in, seeing as they most likely have this material. However, since the EPs are now out of print and will remain that way, the band thought it best to combine all the songs on to one album. What you get is a 14-song album of great contrasts with math-y display on some songs ("Haunted on Foot") and noisy electronica influence on others ("Paper Lanterns"). "Three-Four" certainly shows the Shipping News continuing in the right direction.