Let's see. Chicago band goes back to Steve Albini's Electrical Audio, records its fourth album and whoa--it sounds an awful lot like a cross between Ministry and GvsB with a Naked Raygun chaser. Whoulda thunk?

Pink Frost Until the Summer Comes (Under Road Records)

Well, actually, that's what Pink Frost sounded like back when it was recording more regularly (this is its first album in five years). The songs here are tighter and maybe a bit more accessible, but there are no large-scale changes.

The Electrical Audio sound is in full form, with abundant attention paid to the guitar sound. Vocals? Not so much. And that's fine. This is music for throttling, with just enough introspection to be disturbing.

For a band that was a throwback when it started out, it's kinda hard to say the same thing now. But man, this sure does take me back. And make me want jump into a crowd and start thrashing about. Probably not the best idea, but sometimes the music takes hold and, well, consequences be damned. Lovely noise.

Jon Worley