While the album has "Safety (A)" and "Safety (B)" as bookends, the first of which sounds like the initial moments of an
Arcade Fire smash,
Two If by Sea up the ante with an impressive alt-rock meets dance-rock track called "Report from Damage Control." The hi-hat-friendly song morphs from something out of
the Cure's discography into something that brings to mind
Franz Ferdinand or
the Killers. The band, led by singer Chris Cowan's at times dramatic, grandiose vocals, keeps things relatively simple with the punchy, promising "High Water Mark," which recalls '80s bands like
the Psychedelic Furs. This is followed up by the stellar but formulaic "All the Reasons to Leave," sweet and enjoyable thanks to its
U2-ish arrangement. Unfortunately, while the songs are good, a few are far too slick, particularly the sleek and too polished "Million to One," which is basically robotic dance-rock. Yet for every flaw, there is a jewel that comes to the fore. This is particularly true of the fabulous and dramatic "White Zin on-Ice," with its captivating flourishes throughout. The same can be said later on during the anthem-like "Mont Blan(k)," which twists into tighter, fist-pumping and rocking power pop. As for the homestretch,
Two If by Sea attempt to keep the momentum with "Summer Borne for Sleep," but it seems to falter far too early. The group redeems itself with the lengthy, retro-oriented "Sight to Sound," which could have be found on a tribute album to
the Fixx. The guitar solos in the track certainly don't hinder the overall effect. ~ Jason MacNeil