Times New Viking — Born Again Revisited

Times New Viking say they've improved the recording quality on Born Again Revisited by 25 per cent, compared to 2008's Rip It Off (reportedly submitting the master on a VHS tape, as opposed to the cassette they handed in for that previous album). The upgrade is actually evident.

The most noticeable difference on Born Again Revisited is that the trio's vocals are audible — it's possible to decipher at least half of the lyrics. This definitely isn't a clean-cut pop album, however. Times New Viking's material is still decidedly lo-fi, but as before, hidden beneath the hiss and crackle are some undeniably catchy songs.

The usual references to the Sex Pistols and Sonic Youth still apply, but there have been, and still are, hints of Yo La Tengo in Times New Viking's music, especially in light of the album Yo La Tengo just released as their Condo Fucks alter-ego.

At this point, it's clear Times New Viking aren't making these shoddy recordings just to shove a middle finger at the state of modern music. This is the best possible vehicle for what they have to offer. Standout track: "These Days," where the trio, with Beth Murphy on lead vocals, pull off a killer homage to Sleater-Kinney's "Modern Girl."

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