Rating: NN
Even though Pilot Speed (formerly Pilate) enlisted Modest Mouse producer Dennis Herring to helm their third studio effort, the Toronto band has stuck to its radio-ready formula. If you enjoyed their previous overly earnest hits like Into Your Hideout, you’ll certainly like Wooden Bones.
[rssbreak]
If, however, you found their moody Brit-rock shtick more than a tad played out, you’ll drive yourself crazy playing the “what famous song is this?” game. Sweeping piano ballad Bluff is passable fare but also just a safer rendition of Maybe Someday by the Cure. That’s Pilot Speed’s biggest crime: strategic emulation before creative songwriting.
Top track: Midnight Fires
