Recess music: Clap your hands say yeah

Hardly over a year ago, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah seemed on top of the indie-rock world, still riding the wave of critical praise and grassroots support received by their self-titled debut. Shortly thereafter, because they are either (a) the hardest working band in indie rock, or (b) incredibly ADHD, the band returned to the studio to work on their second album, Some Loud Thunder.

This eclectic follow-up paints the portrait of a band that is trying to grow, but without an idea as to where. Alec Ounsworth's voice still dominates the record with its signature Bowie-like squeal, but without the sense of excitement it had on the band's previous work.

The sense of energy, in fact, seems to be missing altogether, replaced by experimentation that often results in songs that are either boring or downright unlistenable. The techno-laced "Satan Said Dance" proves an interesting experiment, though its electronic bells and whistles ultimately detract from the song. "Arm and Hammer" could possibly have been written by a drunk or someone on acid. Surprisingly, this is not a good thing.

To be fair, there are some very good moments on Some Loud Thunder. The anthemic "Mama, Won't You Keep Them Castles in the Air and Burning?" may well be one of the band's most tightly crafted, melodic tracks to date, despite what the awkward title may imply. Unfortunately, these bright spots are rare anomalies on an album that ultimately goes nowhere.