To label the latest offering from Elliott Smith a "departure" borders on oversimplification. Figure 8, Smith's fifth album, is a dreamy, layered work that merely ups the rock ante of his perfectly balanced 1998 release, XO -- an exquisite union of wistful acoustic stylings and polished pop. This singer's trademark has always been his uncanny ability to evoke
tremendous emotion with minimal instumentation. Thus, initially, it was somewhat disconcerting to discover Smith's sweet pining vocals immersed among this luscious cacophony of bass and percussion.
What eventually becomes apparent on repeat listens is that Smith can rock with the best of them. "Junk Bond Trader" and "L.A." are rollicking showcases replete with some of the catchiest guitar work in recent memory. The former is a standout track that exposes artifice: "The imitation picks you up like a habit." With the omnipresent Jon Brion providing backing vocals, "Happiness" and "Wouldn't Mama Be Proud" are virtual prototypes of the earlier masterpieces on XO.
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