PSOI - All This Sounds Gas

Domino - 2001 - 48 minutes

Named after a Californian reform school, Preston School of Industry are the second outfit to emerge from the break-up of Pavement. With former frontman Stephen Malkmus having warmed the winter months with his self-titled debut, it's now the turn of guitar sidekick Scott Kannberg (aka Spiral Stairs) to call the summer his own from behind the Preston guise.

The results have a gentle, ramshackle charm, recalling Pavement circa 'Crooked Rain Crooked Rain' but drawing lines under the idea that maybe Kannberg didn't get quite the look-in he deserved in that group.

'Falling Away' mixes a classic chorus with indie nostalgia, 'A Treasure @ Silver Bank' tips its Stetson to clippety clop country and album closer 'Take a Stand' is a ballad with think positive sentiments.

Kooky but classy, the demise of his old band may be the best thing that ever happened to Kannberg.

Harry Guerin

Tracklisting: Whale Bones - Falling Away - A Treasure @ Silver Bank (This Dynasty's for Real) - Encyclopedic Knowledge of - History of the River - Doping for Gold - Solitaire Bluson - Monkey Heart and the Horses' Leg - The Idea of Fires - Take a Stand