The Dears collectively have you peering over the bridge and into a dark abyss. Not that you want to jump. But if things aren't going as expected in your world, the Dears will be there to commiserate with you, floating above, observing the weathered chord between your physical plane and the dreamy ether. One listen through may not be enough to get hooked on Missiles.

The only disclaimer that you need for "Disclaimer" is making a mental note to remember to come back down to earth, dear vengeful sleepyhead. The song transports one to an etherical level with its floating above, near-death experience recollection.

"Dream Job" soothes you with smoky pub vocals and surprises you in the end with guitar that could have been thrown in sooner. This is a common theme in many of the songs; late entry of random guitar riffs that make little sense.

Initially, the "Lights Off" vocals are more pronounced than what's happening in the background. But then some weirdness consumes the latter part of the song with an uncomfortable guitar wail.

"Money Babies" charges through with a quickened tempo, but still retains its melancholy spirit. There's resonance of the "happier" songs from Joy Division's "Substance" in this particular tune.

By the time you reach "Crisis 1 & 2" you are wondering how depressed you really are. Disappointing at first, it is saved within the last minute of the song, but too late. You've already tuned out, no?

"Demons" overpowers any other track on the album with the best of everything the Dears are about. The piano, vocals, guitar and percussion finally come together in something memorable.

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The Dears - "Money Babies"

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