Let's face it, folks. We've heard so many different versions of the perfect pop- rock song that quite frankly, we're a bit bored. Grumpy, even. Every year brings some new floppy- haired, skinny kid band desperate to be your summertime solution, but all they get from us are haughty pooh- poohs. We here at Pitchfork acknowledge that we aren't the nicest, friendliest "let's say great things about everything" types, but we do recognize feelings are hurt and for that we are truly, deeply sorry. (Legal disclaimer: Pitchfork will give jack shit to anyone looking for compensation as a result of emotional distress suffered as a result of one of our reviews.)

Thankfully, Guv'Ner doesn't need our pity. Like similarily ether- binged pop acts Neutral Milk Hotel, Guv'Ner is clever enough to make you forget that you may have heard snatches of this before. Beneath the angular guitars, the boxy drums, the gleefully overdriven effects, and the deliciously bent lyrics lie terribly catchy pop songs worthy of a Brian Wilson pill- popping beach party. Few bands are as worthy of the moniker "insanely catchy" as the trio of Pumpkin Wentzel, Charles Ganza and Danny Tunick.

Songs like "Wounded Birds And Vampires Own The Edge" and "Time Rarely Stands Still" cruise along in pleasing tone- tapping abandon. When, on "Anything" the singer croons "You'll be blind in both eyes when you've seen what you've done to me/ Can't stand me now, but you cream for what I used to be" over supremely catchy riffage, it becomes clear that Spectral Worship has hit the spot.

For once, we at Pitchfork are amused. And how.

-Samir Khan

Sound Clip:
"Love The Lamp"
MPEG-LayerII
64kpbs.44kHz.
244k.31sec.