Morningrise

Morningrise is a marked improvement from Slowdive's debut, in that it's more lively and developed. Rather than simply carving out a mood and riding it out for a few minutes, attention to actual song craft is given a higher priority here. Though the lyrics aren't a major factor, the voices of Neil Halstead and Rachel Goswell act as extra instruments, blanketing the warm sounds. The tempo shifts are stunning, when they're used (as on "She Calls"). "Losing Today" is another drifter, evoking their most Twin Peaks-like moment. ~ Andy Kellman