This self-titled release is comprised of nine songs recorded at Mike Kinsella's own home studio, using his own equipment. Kinsella also performed all the music, did all the mixing, and recorded the whole thing. Despite what many might think, it all sounds very good. Musically, this release finds Kinsella extending where
American Football (his former project) was headed. Many of the guitar parts are reminiscent of the delicate tones that short-lived act displayed, and Kinsella's voice is patterned in the same generous emotional helpings. And in that regard, his voice is the carrier of the infectiously morose tales which only a Kinsella is capable of weaving. Carrying the bulk of the weight of a project via his vocals doesn't seem to phase him, however, as they are pulled off in a stellar manner and sound just as good, if not better than the
American Football albums. Kinsella fans and specifically
American Football fans will appreciate this, but beyond that, Owen has a wider appeal to fans of the singer/songwriter genre in general. ~ Kurt Morris