Bottom of the curve is the fourth and final album from the Minneapolis band. It was released on 54° 40’ or Fight!, a label better known for 31Knots math-rock, although its roster is very varied. Houston mixes math-rock instrumental à la Shellac, to metallic indie-rock à la QOTSA.

Houston are (were) a power trio that never gave up melody for power. One of their strong points is the voice of the singer: lazy, laidback, melodic, melancholic at times, and always pitch perfect. Very good dynamics, great guitar parts, nice bass / drums interplay, when they are good, they are fucking good.

Problem is that the album is way too long, and some songs are just very weak. A few tracks here are just plain math-rock instrumentals, very generic stuff and some of the more straightforward tracks lack the inspiration that transcends other tracks. Because, if your music is “under the influence”, a revision of a known formula, you’d better make sure that your ingredients are good. This is not always the case.

Let’s not be too negative: QOTSA or Jawbox fans will find plenty to rejoice. Some of these tracks are some of the best rock songs I’ve heard recently. But sometimes, it’s not enough.