When listening to Blonde Redhead's newest album 23, you'd swear that this couldn't possibly be the same band with all the original members still intact, even though this three-piece hasn't wavered with lineup changes once since 1995. This band that started out in the mid 90's drawing endless comparisons to Sonic Youth has morphed into something that is almost completely unrecognizable from their early days. Starting with 2004's Misery Is A Butterfly, Blonde Redhead started becoming more textured and lush with their sound and now with 23, Kazu Makino and the Pace twins have turned Blonde Redhead into something that is blatantly accessible, overly layered and at times completely gorgeous to the ears.

If five-star ratings were given out to just first halves of records, 23 would certainly receive one. The first five tracks, from the harrowing self-titled opener on down to the powerful "Spring and By Summer Fall" are as perfect as a music fan could hope for. Makino has never sounded more exuberant with her vocals. It's the second half of the album that really is the letdown. Alan Moulder's production here just becomes too precious and simple at times turning this powerful trio into a neutered and hollow version of itself. I love that Blonde Redhead have decided to become more accessible with their sound, but in the second half of the album I couldn't help but wish they had taken just a few risks and didn't play it quite so safe. But with that said, 23 is still a fine record and should earn Blonde Redhead a few new fans with this easy to grasp release.