Statistics have definitely come into their own. As the follow up to last year's s/t EP, Leave Your Name is a far more mature and accomplished release from Omaha's Denver Dalley; replete with guitar fuzz, noisescapes, and epic builds and crescendos akin to a light rock version of a Neurosis album, or perhaps more of a cross between Mogwai, Godspeed, and some bizzarely haunting vocal harmonies, LYN is consistantly interesting, and one of the few records of its kind that stands up well to multiple listens.

Leave Your Name is a thoroughly enjoyable amalgamation of modern indie rock, 80's rock, and late 80's/early 90's NW post-rock. The record never deviates from being "pretty", which is definitely not meant in a bad way, but many of the tracks would be just as at home on the soundtrack to a WB show as they would on a hipster's mix cd. Which isn't a bad thing by any means, but does make you wonder a bit at what the hell the WB are thinking. Especially with that theme song to One Tree Hill. Was that a freaky MDMA party decision or what?

Um, yeah. If you are 22-35, this record will bring back memories from your childhood/high school years. Evidence of strong 80's influences, such as the poppier elements of Sonic Youth, Tangerine Dream, even U2 at points (especially track 03, "The Grass is Always Greener", which plays like a lost track off of Joshua Tree) are sprinkled throughout the album, making it like a bizarre trip through Reagan-era rock/mod. There are so many nostalgic elements to this record that it is hard to see past them to the really creative foundation it's all built on; though definitely one of the poppiest records to come out of Omaha, it holds fast as one of the more enjoyable, both due to its yesteryear familiarity and to Dalley's tightly-scripted songwriting.

It is a rather mellow album, however, so it's not advised as end of the night, driving home listening; throw it on on your way out for the night instead. But definitely throw it on.

-Todd Berry