Ultimately, this is the kind of album that perfectly matches pop music with real social conscience and commentary. We haven’t seen much of that at all for a very long time and it’s a welcome addition to a world of music that has largely eschewed making any kinds of intelligent, thought-provoking observations about our society or even our local culture. Frankly, the vapid pop I’ve become used to hearing has been wearing a little thin and I miss a time when this kind of music had more to say than some trite statement on love and sex and specific relationships. In speaking of specific incidents that inspired the songs, Cowboy Curse have hit more universal truths about unsavory aspects of the world we have learned to tolerate and accept as though it’s just the way it is and we are powerless to change it. Inherent in all of these songs is the implication that we have the power to choose to live our lives differently and to organize our societies and cultures in such a way that they are more nurturing, authentic and worth living within. These are not outsider perspectives pointing fingers, they are compassionate illustrations of the unpleasant things we’d rather not admit or look at more honestly. Because of this, Cowboy Curse went from merely a good band with flawless pop instincts to a great band with more intelligence and songwriting prowess than most rock bands working today. Frankly, pop music should be this brave more often. I can scarcely wait for their next release. – Tom Murphy