The latest offering from garage-rock/dream-pop hybrid Low Flying Owls offers little in the way of originality by mining some overwrought influences (Spacemen 3, Jesus and Mary Chain), but thankfully, the band knows how to make a consistent album ‹ something which many of their counterparts have failed to do.

The album begins with a trio of Stooges-inspired rockers that prepare the listener for a hazy, one-dimensional set of songs. The songs ooze trashy charm, particularly the creepy ³Looks of Killer,² whose lyrics intone ³you¹ve got the looks of a killer, a killer who doesn¹t care.² But the band wisely includes ballads, like the oddly poppy ³Strange Connection² and the sexy instrumental ³Babies Made,² maybe one of the best song titles in recent memory.

The lyrics generally conjure up an uneasy drama typical of such stoner-rock releases, but Southard¹s delivery ‹ whether he¹s invoking a screeching Nick Cave or a moaning Thom Yorke ‹ is what sets the Low Flying Owls apart. It¹s a shame more is not made of the vocals, which usually take a backseat to the music¹s enjoyable but repetitive smoky atmospherics. Next time around, the band should realize it has an apt singer/songwriter in the group and let the songs themselves come to the forefront.