Two

The second Owls album, casually named Two, sounds like the band want to pretend no time at all has elapsed between albums. Yet it arrives 13 years after the band’s debut provided math rockers with some early inspiration. Having previously played as Cap’n Jazz (a band that also inspired the emo world) the members of Owls were used to breaking new ground and then breaking up. It’s no surprise to discover that these musicians had a volatile relationship, which led to them disbanding after just a year. The band’s sound is four guys pulling in four different directions at once, and here they’re at it again. It’s somewhat surprising that they add lyrics to distract from their instrumental prowess. But singer Tim Kinsella (who has made a name with Joan of Arc) is about the only guy up to the task. Guitarist Victor Villarreal is never content staying in one place, and drummer Mike Kinsella and bassist Sam Zurich are happy to trip through time signatures. Two shouldn’t have highlights (though it does). It’s meant to be played as one long work where every idea counterbalances another.