Choosing to self-produce may have not been the ideal course of action for off-kilter
Southworth, who winds up turning in his most normal set of songs. The writing is still top-notch, both musically and lyrically, but the execution is missing a certain zip and spark that made his previous albums charming and compelling listening. The only track that really grabs you right away on the first listen is the overwrought "I Want You to Take Photos of Me Crying," which quickly becomes tiresome. Other tracks, like "Paramour," improve on repeated listens, but after demonstrating what he's capable of on two previous releases this may not be enough. ~ Sean Carruthers