Very Soon, and In Pleasant Company

Shortly after the dissolution of June of 44 in early 2000, guitarist/vocalist Jeff Mueller shifted his main musical focus to Shipping News, reuniting with Rachel's guitarist/bassist Jason Noble and sometimes Rachel's percussionist Kyle Crabtree for Very Soon, and in Pleasant Company. The album returns Mueller to the classic {math rock} territory June of 44 had begun to stray from during the band's latter releases. Mueller and Noble exchange vocal duties seamlessly (almost interchangeably), delivering abstract and minimal lyrical images. But the duo's complex, interlocking guitar and bass patterns -- together with the carefully measured timekeeping of Crabtree -- dominate the album. The lone exception is Nine Bodies, Nine States. Situated in the exact center of the album, the song lets in some air as the band rocks out. ~ Jason Nickey, All Music Guide