Seattle's Kane Hodder isn’t just another post-hardcore screamo outfit. Critical listens to this 11-track release reveal elements of contemporary prog, traces of pop (both are evident on the gorgeous "You Sign Your Crimes With A Silver Bullet") and just plain well-written songs--"I Think Patrick Swayze Is Sexy" and "Too Much Eddie Kendricks, Not Enough David Ruffin"--separate this band from its contemporaries. This is an emotionally ("A Machine In The World Of Man") and musically (take your pick) complex ride from front to back that may very well surprise skeptics. The Pleasure To Remain So Heartless isn’t without its bumps but it is close enough that you quickly forgive whatever faults you find and embrace the album as a refreshing entry into the furious and frenzied world of contemporary rock. You might call this a blueprint for something greater, and what a fascinating blueprint it is. -- Jedd Beaudoin
