Bravo Maria

Rainer Maria's third full-length album, Better Version of Me, represents the band's best work to date. Somewhere between this album and the last, Rainer Maria grew completely comfortable with its instruments and gained a new sense of clarity. Not that its previous album, Look Now Look Again, disappointed anyone or gave listeners the impression the band failed to develop its full potential. It was a masterpiece in itself. The new album simply surpasses what Rainer Maria showed us before.\nSome ray of energy hit the band to make Better Version of Me more upbeat than past efforts while preserving the essence of the band. Bassist Caithlin De Marrais' vocals still plead the poetic lyrics, with both becoming even more poignant since the last album. Listeners will find it hard to ignore when De Marrais sings Please don't stop on the track "Save my Skin." \nKyle Fischer, guitarist, also provides vocals and is featured on the quirky "The Contents of Lincoln's Pockets," which is about what Lincoln had in his pockets at the time of his assassination. Upon the first listen, what sticks out most is the declaration That there is Walt Whitman's pen, which will make anyone pick up the CD booklet, wondering what the hell they're talking about.\n"The Seven Sisters" and "Atropine" trudge along slowly without a high point. While most of the album carries along at a good clip, these two tracks take away the momentum. \nHighlights include "Ceremony," "Spit and Fire" and "Hell and High Water." Every element that distinguishes Rainer Maria from everyone else combines beautifully to create unforgettable songs.\nOn Better Version of Me, Rainer Maria balances sweet bitterness, despair, anger, satisfaction and elation. The guitar, bass and drums of the three-piece emit a sense of gentleness and build to urgency at the perfect moment. Everything blends perfectly: the instruments, the vocals, the mood. Rainer Maria escapes any category, perhaps rock, perhaps indie. Some might ridiculously file Rainer Maria under the "emo-core" along with the Get Up Kids. But that label really limits any description of the band and gives the members minimal credit for their ability to craft songs. Call it what you want, only know that Better Version of Me is worth every dime, even if your favorite band is Crass.