!!! - Myth Takes (2007)

On Myth Takes, !!! really streamlined their sound. It’s less immediate and groovy, with several songs that have a bland sort of alt rock feel. While it may seem as if the band is sacrificing character for accessibility, they also dull the obnoxious brashness of their sound (mainly the vocals), and so this record is, in some ways, easier on the ears than their previous two. The post-punk and funk influences are still there, of course, but it’s all been smoothed out a bit. I can see how fans might have felt alienated by this album, but a non-fan like me who enjoyed their sound at least a little bit, may be able to latch on a bit more easily as the band’s ability to pick up a bouncy groove and run with it is still intact.

7.1 / 10

!!! - Louden Up Now (2004)

!!!’s second album adds some much-needed variety to the mix. The songs feel more fleshed out, with tempos and instrumentation that suit each. It also sounds as though the vocals have been tamed somewhat. As a result, this is a much more immediately gratifying album and also one that is more rewarding to repeated listens. There are still some silly moments, like “Pardon My Freedom” which also has one of the best bass-lines on the album. This silliness is tempered somewhat by a general political awareness in the lyrics. This is certainly catchier and more varied than the band’s debut, which makes it both more fun and more mature despite some tracks that don’t seem to go anywhere.

6.8 / 10

!!! - !!! (2000)

!!! would evolve significantly since issuing this debut album ten years ago, but their sound has always been a funky sort of dance-punk and to those who aren’t necessarily fans of this stuff, the distinctions among this band's work won’t stand out. This album features too many tracks that sound a bit too similar, though they often hit on some really nice grooves. Nic Offer’s vocals, which will probably sound downright annoying to some listeners, could make or break the album for some. One track that stands out is the eight-minute “There’s No Fucking Rules, Dude,” if only because it experiments with some different tempos. Fans will love the propulsive rhythms, detractors will find the band's attitude amateurish. Both might be right.

6.5 / 10