Nature + Degree

Recording information: West Orange Studios (03/2009-04/2009).
Section 25 continued their 21st century return to activity with another strong album in NATURE AND DEGREE, proving that the success of Larry and Vin Cassidy on PART-PRIMITIV was no fluke. It's likely no surprise, either, that the musical model here is the band's nervously aggressive mid-'80s heyday; hearing Larry's crisp, observational turns on songs like "Singularity" over brisk, classic electro arrangements still has the feeling of future shock, a new kind of roots music for older performers. Meantime, a more reflective guitar-led song like "Saddled with Something," with its string arrangement and understated tone, lets him explore a calm fragility with grace. Larry's daughter Bethany provides a bit of family continuity in the tragic absence of her deceased mother; her lead turns on "Remembrance" and "Forty Days" are more gently dreamy in comparison. "Attachment," in comparison, shows a sprightlier side for her, but Larry outdoes Bethany with the breezy meta-pop confection "L'Arte du Math."