Their fifth album for 4AD in a relationship that has now spanned a dozen years. "Puzzles" sees the band moving forward in an unexpected direction; these songs are more immediate and poppy than anything they recorded before... more ». The album is filled with the life-affirming light of Mojave 3's Cornish home - splashed with sunlight and the heady sparkle of summertime waves. "Puzzles" is infectious and downright fun, a fact reflected in the exuberant artwork supplied by artist/film director Thomas Campbell (whose film "Sprout" used generous amounts of Mojave and Halstead music), and the marvelously quirky video for "Breaking The Ice" directed by Bradley Beesley (Flaming Lips). Subtle and gorgeous music.« less
Their fifth album for 4AD in a relationship that has now spanned a dozen years. "Puzzles" sees the band moving forward in an unexpected direction; these songs are more immediate and poppy than anything they recorded before. The album is filled with the life-affirming light of Mojave 3's Cornish home - splashed with sunlight and the heady sparkle of summertime waves. "Puzzles" is infectious and downright fun, a fact reflected in the exuberant artwork supplied by artist/film director Thomas Campbell (whose film "Sprout" used generous amounts of Mojave and Halstead music), and the marvelously quirky video for "Breaking The Ice" directed by Bradley Beesley (Flaming Lips). Subtle and gorgeous music.
"I know, I know everyone says that, but in this case, my friend, you might ought to contemplate the veracity of such an assertion. I don't want to throw out Beatles and the Mamas and the Papas references, etc. - namely because everyone is influenced by someone else. And so what? This album is as diverse at it is incredible. Check out the Mutineer, Breaking the Ice, and Just a Boy if you don't believe me. Seriously, check this release out and look 'em up on MySpace. And help me get them to tour the States. This is some of the best music out now."
Neil Halstead = Great Songwriter
Tankery | New Orleans | 06/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This should be on many people's "best of" this year. It's illustrative of just how far Mr. Halstead has come from his teenage years with Slowdive and now with this complete album by one of the more important bands out there.
There's echoes of dream pop here but also early REM and psychedelia, all wrapped into quality songs that we now expect from this band and even more importantly from Neil. My favorites are Running with Your Eyes Closed and the elegant mid tempo Big Star Baby, but nothing weak top to bottom here.
Perhaps a bit less moody than earlier albums, more up tempo and rootsy, but I believe the best they've done."
Overall, Thumbs Up
Von Scotty | Central PA | 12/22/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was a Slowdive fan before Mojave 3. It took some time for me to enjoy every Mojave 3 record after the release of "Ask Me Tomorrow." It took me quite a few listenings until I really connected with the music.
This record is no exception.
Let it play for a while and you will hear this really is a good record. Thats why I always buy a new Mojave 3 album when it comes out. I know that eventually I will really like it.
*sidenote* Track 12 is of utmost quality. It think track 12 should appeal to many of the Slowdive and "Ask Me Tomorrow" fans. Drop the 15 bucks and buy this record."
Mojave 3 Delivers Again!
Go Steelers! | Houston, TX | 07/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I rarely write reviews, but I just have to say something about this fantastic album. I've been a Mojave 3 fan for about eight months now, having discovered Slowdive a few months before. I've become enamored with this band -- their music is so beautiful and soulful. I was a bit worried about this album, since I had read that it would be more fast-paced, less mellow than their past albums. But wow, after my first listen-through, it completely put me at ease, and I've been listening to it non-stop ever since.
Of course, it is a more up-tempo album than "Out of Tune", or "Excuses for Travellers". The first song, "Truck Driving Man" really gets things going, and you know you'll be in for an interesting ride. The album maintains a fairly even pace, with several more traditional Mojave 3 songs strewn throughout. It all flows very well. Neil's songwriting is as good as ever, and while Rachel doesn't headline any tracks, her backing vocals add that extra element that really makes Mojave 3 special.
IMO, the material on this album can easily stand toe-to-toe with anything the band has ever done. I haven't decided yet, but I think this just may be my favorite Mojave 3 album so far. It really feels like a natural progression of their music, and you're left with this desire to hear them play on and on. I really just can't believe how good it is -- so often, when bands try something new, they end up irritating their fans with the new direction, and putting out music that isn't really up to par with their previous material. Little wonder that the folks who transitioned from the psychadelic Slowdive to Mojave 3's rolling melodies could pull off this new endeavor so well, and deliver some of their best music ever."
An album of what music is all about
Peace and Liberty | Portland, OR | 07/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At first I thought Neil H. was trying too hard and coming off insincere. Now after 2 week I am playing it constantly. Holy Moly. This is what music is meant to be. It makes you feel. You feel The Big Picture bathing your cells and then them nodding rhythmically knowingly, like only music can do.
Edit: I saw them in concert and it was a beautiful experience - Waves of beauty filling the space around me with bliss."