On Menomena's 2004 debut album I Am The Funblame Monster! (which is an anagram for "the first Menomena album"), more was made of the band's silly Da Vinci Code tendencies than that of their musical prowess (the artwork for the booklet consisted of a thick flipbook of the band playing together). Menomena's new album Friend And Foe has quite fascinating artwork to go with its disc as well, but this time the Portland three-piece has made sure to pack plenty of thick, sonic, melodious chops to go along with it.

Friend And Foe has a moodier and darker feel than its predecessor, reminding me of similar bands such as TV On The Radio and Elbow. Pulsating bass rhythms, piano and horn sections fill out most of the record and some of the lighter moments even remind me of the little remembered Webb Brothers (remember their classic Marooned LP from 2000? Didn't think so). Members Danny Seim, Justin Harris and Brent Knopf rotate in an out of playing instruments and singing; only a few listens make you quickly realize that these guys are ridiculously talented when they want to be. The melodramatic "My My" is the only track that gets the thumbs down, everything else on Friend And Foe is stupendous. If you liked either TV On The Radio or Elbow's latest releases then you've found yourself a new friend.