by Blake Butler
The posthumous release of this legendary emo-rock recording finds the band with exactly the same style and demeanor of its amazing The Power of Failing. Although the music and feeling are nearly identical, the sharper production gives the record an almost glassy or plastic feel, placing it far below the raw beauty of the band's earlier work. It gives Mineral's rather large fan following something to remember them by -- although it somehow seems that the memory would have been more precious without this release. This is easily a disappointment; nevertheless, many who loved Mineral will not be able to help themselves from falling for this last release, and it will probably bring them quite a few more admirers who never paid attention before.