Spoon are a much acclaimed band. Critics and fans give them much love upon each and every release. But paradoxically they are in someways under rated. How so? Well, it seems to me lately that the idea has been floated that Spoon are good at producing unsurprising, solid music. Enjoyable but not revolutionary music. Now I would agree that this band's music is certainly not revolutionary. But I would also contend that it is nearly always excellent and full of substance, character and much flavour. Their music is definitely and defiantly different. Distinctive, I would say. Those sparse guitars, crisp melodies and authentic Daniel vocals float over the airwaves and you know you can only be listening to one band and that band is Spoon. Many, many bands would kill for the repertoire that this band has created. Their knack for producing unique, transluscent rhythms and melodies should never, ever be undersold. So, we now come to "Transference", their latest opus. I can inform you that, in my opinion, it is great. Impressive, outstanding. Maybe a slither of a notch below their previous masterworks. But only a slither. It delights and tranfixes. Damn you Spoon, you have done it again.

"Transference" represents the first record that Spoon have made without a producer. The band orchestrated the music themselves and it certainly is reflected in the sound. Apparently they aimed for a somewhat more immediate effect. Rawer, less compromised. It's certainly there, with the overall sound having a barer, more stripped back feel. Exhibit one is the opener "Before Destruction" which quietly starts with a spare snare drum before opening up with a Daniel vocal that is sparse and plaintive. Guitar work here is dramatic and scant, delicate with effect. The short and sharp "Is Love Forever?" opens things up a bit with its punchy back and forth. But then "The Mystery Zone" continues the path of slender musings with its meandering and slightly ominous tone. This is a song that caresses and clinches the listener. If "Who Makes Your Money" is a slight misstep, then "Written In Reverse" picks up the baton again. This song is raw and bruised, its woozy piano line ably backing up an uncooked and bloody vocal by Britt Daniel. It also features some killer guitar line. As does my favourite cut on the album in "I Saw The Light". This song rumbles and tumbles, building momentum with impressive force. A tour de force you could say. "Out Go The Lights" is a highlight as well, considered and ingrained with that inimitable Spoon sound. The sound of instruments to the fore, each one with an uncommon voice. Backing that begrimed, world weary voice of the best dressed man in rock and roll. The album finishes with the buzz saw cut of "Got Nuffin" and the almost funky "Nobody Gets Me But You", giving us the full Spoon spectrum. Yes, once again this band has delivered. They have sent us music that is rough around the edges, but pulsating with the stuff of life. Heart and soul.