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Ah, Boris.  One never knows quite what to expect when a new Boris release hits the streets.  Smile is no different.  This seven track preview of the forthcoming eight track disc is nothing short of amazing.  Smile finds the band experimenting with a more psychedelic sound while still retaining that signature heaviness that always permeates a Boris release.

The opening track, “Flower Sun Rain” sets the stage with a long, quiet intro that leads up to an excellent crescendo that could have been found on many albums in the late 60’s.  About seven minutes in, the dynamic shifts as the guitars kick in and a cacophony of twisted guitar solos take over the mix.  As soon as the track picks up, it suddenly falls off into some disjointed sounds and then track two begins.  “BUZZ-IN” kicks Boris into full bore rock mode.  “Laser Beam” and “Statement” maintain the all-out rocking vibe straight into track five.  “My Neighbor Satan” finds the band slipping back into the pop melodies that track one brought us, complete with the occasional acid rock freak-out.  A distant, broken sounding loop runs through the track, coupled with a wash of ambient guitar noise.  The freak-outs just may be the best part of this disc.  The last two tracks bring in the drone/noise sound that many people associate with Boris.

This just may be the most accessible release from Boris yet, and that doesn’t mean it’s bad at all.  It’s just one of the easiest to digest.  Each listen does reveal a little more in the mix and this one will be continuing to spin for some time to come.

Apparently there is also a vinyl only release coming out of this album that will feature two more tracks than the CD releases.  If those tracks are anywhere as good as the ones here, I’d suggest picking up the vinyl.

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Reviewer: Dave Warren Added: March 14th 2008