Review: Dog Day - "Night Group"

Oh how I've missed Pavement. It took me until Brighten the Corners before I understood Malkmus and co's entwining American threads but once I followed them, I appreciated the warmth and comfort their skewed pop afforded me.
Now, you are more than likely hearing the tinpot, lo fi buzzing, wiry guitars and half-spoken American drawl almost regularly. This is testament to Pavement's gargantuan efforts, originally perceived as laziness.
Arguably the same could be said of Dog Day's new effort. Jangling and jiving like the Pixies and Husker Du crossing swords with Dinosaur Jr, it's all very familiar. Still, when it's familiar in a way that makes you want to listen to this alongside Doolittle or Bug then that's not necessarily a negative.
'End of the World' is rightfully placed in the front of the record meshing harmonies, scathing guitars and a simple three note bass line - it's like a welcome home party. It's an album that warns you exactly how it's going to go and then follows that path rigidly and never stumbles off the edge. Safe? Undoubtedly. Unexciting? That's in the ear of the beholder. Personally, the little thrill I get from a well placed melody upon a clever little chord sequence maybe shows me up for the easily-pleased music critic charlatan I really am. Pfft. As if I care what you think.