This time, Mary is joined by fellow DC scenesters Devin Ocampo (drums) and Chad Molter (bass), to try the band approach to making her latest solo record. This approach definitely works, as Mary can freely express herself through her meandering guitar hooks and signature half-spoken vocals. The guys in the band provide a loose backbone for the unrestrained song arrangements, giving room for the vocals to loom prominent. This musical collaboration, one of equality and kinship, creates a unique foil for Mary’s ability to touch listeners within a mood of disconnection. This is her specialty, using lyrics that are personal yet topical, and guitar work that is both sluggish and moving. In this world of contrasts and contradictions, Mary’s music is as timely now as it was with mid-90s Helium. You will hear glimpses of all this and more on the album, including lots of post-rock (“Rockman”), bits of a prog influence (“New Song”) and even a ballad (“Window”). Best tracks are the first three: “Sharpshooter” (about the hunter becoming the hunted), “Killed by the Telephone” and “Pause/Off.”