I know that this band has a solid history on a great label with a strong following for an indie band. But, I just cannot seem to really enjoy them. I have listened to each of their previous albums beginning to end with a truly open mind, because many of the people whose musical taste I respect have recommended them, and each time I have expected more than The Promise Ring delivered. They are expert in the type of watered-down indie rock that is radio friendly, but not to the point that it could be considered pop rock. It's like diet soda for your ears. They float in the nether regions between pop and rock without declaring their allegiance to either nor both at the same time. That is a recipe for mediocrity. They haven't taken either to the full extent that they could go, they haven't raised the bar on themselves. The Promise Ring is a good band, but they could be so much better if they experimented a little instead of reveling in the glory of the sound they produce--they haven't progressed. It's as if they are only doing what is necessary to get by, not what is necessary to excel. If you like their urgent, stop-and-go melodies, and their lighthearted approach, this is more of the same, nothing new. Also, if you've never heard them but you like Weezer, you should check them out. But if you are a rocker at heart, and you like to take a beating from your music, or you want something that's better than average, pass this one up for the remastered SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH and I can almost guarantee you won't be in for a music emergency.