Semisonic: All About Chemistry

Herald rating: * * *

(MCA)

Review: Russell Baillie


Even before contemplating their third album we're pretty well disposed to Minneapolis band Semisonic in these parts. After all, the pop-rock trio's Dan Wilson duetted with Bic Runga on Good Morning Baby (on the American Pie soundtrack), and the only time they've played here was two years ago on the bill at the Western Springs benefit concert for those burned by Sweetwaters. Oh and on last album Feeling Strangely Fine, they sometimes sounded like Midwest Mutton Birds. This time around they've swapped some of that rustic charm for a lavish bells-and-whistles production which reminds of Crowded House's shinier studio efforts. Unfortunately, that approach undermines this set's overall appeal, especially when combined with a few raging-hormone ditties like Bed and Get a Grip, suggesting that writing for that aforementioned teen-sex comedy has had a reverse effect.

A pity because the likes of the opening near-title track (a chugging pop-rocker), Act Naturally (a fetching ballad about trying to keep up a front on a failing relationship), She's Got My Number (swirling pop-psychedelia), and One True Love (a poised co-write and duet with Carole King), among others, shows that Semisonic are smarter than most guitar-led trios in the songcraft department.