New Bob release - Phantom Tollbooth - Beard of Lightning - Comments?

[cungar]

Got this Monday and have been listening to it ever since. Bob applied his vocals to a 15 year old CD's backing tracks. Like much of Bob's recent non-GBV output, this is not catchy GBV style pop but rather avant garde rock with melodies that are not all that apparent on first 6 or 7 listens. Like the Circus Devils this is a tough nut to crack but may eventually grow on me. Anyone else pick this up?

[Jason]

I like how the vocals are pretty low in the mix most of the time. There are moments on some of Bob's projects similar to this (Lifeguards especially) where his singing is a little loud and isolation booth-y. Here he sounds like he's with the band (which is a pretty odd statement, i know).

Anyway, I enjoy Beard of Lightning. It's ugly and the lyrics are completely beserk. And that's good. The phrase "the doors are hymen-thin" actually made me laugh.

Those who complain about stuff like Circus Devils will find more to dislike here. There's not a pop moment to be found.